Sir Mekere prepared to contest an NCD seat

Former Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta who resigned from politics five years ago says he is prepared to contest one of the National Capital District Seats in the upcoming elections.

He says his decision will be made when there is sufficient support from the people and especially current parliamentarians for a new Government.

In a public statement in the media Sir Mekere said although he enjoys retirement from politics, he cannot ignore the plea of Papua New Guineans for him to re-enter politics.

“They all say you fixed it before, please come back and do it again.”

“So I have decided that I am prepared to contest one of the NCD seats provided that by the time for nomination I believe there is sufficient support from all quarters, especially current MP’s and intending candidates, for a new government.

“I would stand to help lead a movement for change and reform,” Sir Mekere stated.

Sir Mekere highlighted numerous concerns raised to him from people from all walks of life; that corruption is now on a scale like never before, rising public debt, foreign exchange shortfalls, LNG revenue not reaching the people, the rising cost of goods and high unemployment,  chaos in the health and education sector, the breakdown in the Government machinery, and lack of respect for the rule of law.

He says he has been reminded by people from all walks of life that the problems are similar to what the country faced in 1999.

He introduced reforms then which he says has re-laid the foundation of economic growth and political stability that PNG enjoyed for more than decade.

He said the reforms rebuilt important institutions, increased their independence and insulated them from political interference.

“People see that these gains have been lost,” he said.

Sir Mekere in the coming weeks will gauge whether he has the support base to stand for a seat in NCD that can lead him to help form a new Government in July-August.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole