​Prime Minister

On his arrival, O'Neill highlighted the importance of the APEC policy agenda that will help boost growth in key sectors of the Papua New Guinea economy.

“APEC is an important forum for growth and development in our region, and in the coming year will be even more important for Papua New Guinea when we host Leaders from around the region.

“The whole focus of the APEC Leaders' Week is to strengthen our capacity to trade and to grow our economies.

“Through APEC we have the opportunity to generate more business, and that in turn creates more jobs.

People were singing and chanting in their traditional war cries as they brought their son and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill into the polling booth to cast his vote.

Being the first to cast his vote O'Neill officially open the polling booth.

In a media conference straight after casting his vote O'Neill thanked his people for their continuous support and committed to deliver more services.

He said although the polling was deferred for two days, he commended the people for their patience and support.

Prime Minister O’Neill said this when acknowledging Sir Michael’s final speech in Parliament today.

O’Neill said Parliament will be a different place when it convenes after the National Elections.

He said today’s sitting marked a milestone for the country and Sir Michael as the curtain came down on his illustrious political career.

“Honorable Members, I thank the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, for his contribution to Papua New Guinea, to the National Parliament, and for guiding us to Independence.