Prime Minister Peter O'Neill

The Prime Minister also again issued a warning for all coastal communities in the north of the country to be on alert for the risk of tsunami resulting from volcanic activity.

“National Government agencies, led by our disciplined services, have been stood-up to respond to volcanic activity on Kadavor Island,” the Prime Minister said.

“Volcanoes are very unpredictable, we are hearing various reports that activity has been building up and we need to take all precautions to keep our people safe.

He made this statement due to the quiet 2017 National Election campaign period.

The Prime Minister said the cost associated with campaigning for 8 weeks is one of the factors.  

O’Neill was speaking on the FM100 talkback show this morning in Port Moresby. 

Candidates have three more weeks to convince voters before the 14 days of nationwide polling start on 24 June. 

The National Government, in the last term of Parliament, proposed to the PNG Electoral Commission for 4 weeks of campaign period but the PNG Electoral Commissioner stood firm with the 8 weeks.

Malabag is contesting under the Peoples National Congress Party and was escorted into the nomination venue by Prime Minister and PNC Party leader Peter O’Neill.

Malabag was also accompanied and supported by PNC candidates, sitting MP for Moresby South Justin Tkatchenko and sitting MP for Kundiawa- Gembogl Open Tobias Kulang.

Malabag called on the PNG Electoral Commission including the electoral commissioner, returning and polling officers to ensure that the elections are transparent and people have the opportunity and freedom to vote.

“National elections are the opportunity for our people to have their say and elect the Members of their choosing.

“The Nation’s Electoral Commission has been preparing for this election since 2012, and I am confident that 2017 elections will take place in a transparent way that will deliver certainty for our people.

“We cannot allow the wastage and exorbitant cost that was seen at previous elections to continue.”

“There is no excuse for these individuals seeking to mislead investors and the business community,” Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said in a statement.

“The facts are clear and the data is irrefutable.

“The National Economy grew by close to three percent last year, and our debt to GDP in 2016 was at 29.4 percent, well below the limit of 35 percent and will reduce to 28.8 percent this year.

“Our economic fundamentals remain strong and international investors continue to maintain confidence in our economy.”

In his New Year message, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said: “While some foreign media might like to pick up on isolated incidents and try to make them seem mainstream, all who live in our communities know that Papua New Guinea is a country that is changing.

“We do not have the problems of past decades and life is constantly improving around the nation.”

The PM stated that we have so much work ahead to continue to share the benefits of development, but the country is moving in the right direction.

PM O’Neill made the comments as Papua New Guinea woke up to a New Year with minimal reports of disturbances over the festive period.

“People in communities right around our nation have been able to enjoy celebrations with family and friends and welcome in the New Year.

“I thank members of the public and community leaders throughout the nation for working together and enabling our people to enjoy time together."

“It is with great sadness that our nation ends the year with news of the passing of two newsmen who were respected and celebrated around Papua New Guinea.

“The Late Susuve Laumaea and the Late Oseah Philemon each made great contributions to the communication of essential information to our people.

“It was a shock to learn of the passing of both of these men.

“I wish to extend condolences and sympathies, on behalf of the Government and the nation, to the families of these outstanding communicators.

The Prime Minister said he is glad the matches have started well and that he appreciates the record crowds enjoying football in Papua New Guinea.

"In a world of uncertainty, sport is the great unifier,” the Prime Minister said.

"These young women are coming from around the world, from fifteen other countries, to compete in our country at the highest level for their age.

“Papua New Guineans will show them the greatest hospitality possible and see that they return home with great memories.

He said this in Parliament yesterday in response to a question from Lae MP, Loujaya Kouza, regarding an incomplete police housing project at the Bumbu Police Barracks.

She said a building contractor who has been paid in full has left  the project incomplete and has since disappeared.

O’Neill said he was not familiar with the issue and would get the Police Minister, Robert Atiyafa, to make a detailed response to Kouza so she is aware of the state of the contract.