This was the case today when Prime Minister Peter O'Neill welcomed Independent candidates for the Koroba Kopiago seat and the Komo Magarima into Port Moresby today.
The incumbent New Ireland Governor saiid “The Namatanai have lost a humble representative, a man with a heart and love for his people – a true friend of all New Irelanders and Papua New Guinea will lose an honest Minister.
“But I have gained a son and I am very proud of his dedication to duty and loyalty to the Government”.
He acknowledged the newly elected MP, Walter Schnaubelt and reiterated his often plea for true Leadership and Cooperation – what he says is the foundation of the peoples future in New Ireland.
PM O’Neill said the success of the election in his district, and around the nation, is also another indication of the change in attitudes that is taking place around the country.
Returned to office with a record of 48,714 votes, which is 78 per cent of all ballots cast, the Prime Minister waited until every vote had been counted before being declared the winner.