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By JEFFREY ELAPA
OUTGOING Usino/Bundi MP Peter Yama
has handed over the leadership of the People’s Labour Party (PLP) to
Markham MP Koni Iguan.
The change of leadership took place in a unique traditional Melanesian
way in Madang on Tuesday.
Mr Yama vacated the Usino-Bundi seat to contest the Madang Regional
seat, and endorsed candidates under PLP in the hope of bidding for the
prime minister’s post. But the party did badly, returning only two
MP-elects from more than 50 candidates.
Mr Yama finished third to former chief justice Sir Arnold Amet.
Mr Iguan was given the leadership while the deputy leadership of the
party was given to new Daulo MP Kondo Patrick, also a new comer.
The handover ceremony in Madang was witnessed by more than 300 people
including losing candidates, party executives, supporters, families and
a traditional dancing group from Rai Coast.
Mr Yama handed over the party’s totem, a traditional spear, to Mr Iguan,
symbolising the transfer of power.
He urged the new leader to uphold the party’s strong principles, and
always fight for the grassroots people.
He said that PLP was a grassroots’ party and the interest of the silent
majority must be of paramount importance and their voices and concerns
must be best represented on the floor of Parliament.
Mr Yama said he campaigned hard but the people had spoken through the
ballots of which he accepted.
He said out of 55 endorsed candidates, two won seats in Parliament,
seven were runner-ups and 11 finished third, including himself.
On the formation of government, Mr Iguan said the PLP would team up with
the faction that forms government.
 
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