Prime Minister James Marape has pushed back against former premier Peter O’Neill’s suggestion that the upcoming visit of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres signals democracy’s failure in Papua New Guinea. He urged the public not to be misled, framing Guterres’s trip as an acknowledgment of PNG’s milestones rather than a critique.
Marape said the UN chief’s arrival will highlight the country’s five decades of nationhood, peace-building progress, and leadership on global issues such as climate change, ocean stewardship, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the visit, a four-day commitment—the longest ever by a UN secretary-general to the region—represents recognition of PNG’s journey, not a rebuke.
The prime minister countered criticisms from O’Neill by pointing to a history many remember: allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement during the former government, and actions that allegedly undermined institutions. He claimed the people recall “the days when Parliament was bulldozed, dissent was silenced, and the conditions that weakened our systems were created,” arguing that those legacies are what his government is working to reform.
Under Marape’s leadership, he said, the government is pursuing necessary reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and restore credibility to elections. He stressed that PNG’s democracy faces challenges—like those faced by democracies worldwide—but asserted that his administration is engaging transparently with the Electoral Commission, international partners, and civil society to reform electoral processes. He noted that preparations for Local Level Government elections are moving forward and will be carried out, unlike past practices of neglect.
Marape reminded citizens that global democracy indexes are analytical tools, not final judgments, and that true democracy is measured by the resilience of institutions and the freedom of people to speak, assemble, and choose their leaders. He described Papua New Guinea as a democracy that is vibrant, sometimes loud and imperfect, yet alive; courts remain independent, the press is free, and citizens retain the right to select their leaders.
The prime minister urged O’Neill to abandon attempts to score political points off the UN visit. He framed the four-day visit as a landmark moment in PNG’s history—the first time a UN secretary-general will spend that length of time in the country—serving as recognition of PNG’s trajectory since independence in 1975, rather than a condemnation. Marape encouraged O’Neill to join others in welcoming the honor with pride, underscoring that the issue is about Papua New Guinea’s national identity and progress, not individual leaders.
As PNG marks its Golden Jubilee, Marape suggested the UN visit could open avenues for deeper engagement on development, governance, and regional collaboration. He also highlighted PNG’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions and improve governance, positioning the country as a resilient, collaborative partner in the Pacific.
Comments and analysis: The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling government and opposition during a period of political renewal and a major international visit. The UN trip is likely to be used by Marape’s government to showcase democracy in action and to bolster domestic credibility ahead of the country’s independence anniversary and upcoming elections. The emphasis on reform, accountability, and international partnerships aligns with a broader regional narrative about Pacific nations reinforcing democratic norms while navigating internal political dynamics.
Overall, the stance signals a hopeful outlook: PNG is leveraging global attention to reinforce its democratic process, while continuing to pursue reforms that supporters argue are essential to strengthening governance and public trust. The four-day visit stands as a focal point for Papua New Guinea’s bid to demonstrate resilience and progress on the world stage.
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