Electorate produces prime ministers

MORESBY North-West is among eight electorates in Papua New Guinea that have produced prime ministers since independence.
Late Sir Mekere Morauta was the sixth prime minister and left an indelible mark on this urban electorate, the largest of three open electorates in the National Capital District.
The nation’s capital produced two prime ministers – Sir Mek (as he was fondly called) and his predecessor, former NCD governor late Sir William Skate.
Both leaders were from Gulf.
Unfortunately, the Moresby North-West by-election last year did not produce a new MP worthy of this elite electorate.
Current MP Lohia Boe Samuel didn’t have ample time to achieve anything of significance.
A total of 27 candidates have nominated to contest Moresby North-West, far less than neighbouring Moresby North-East electorate, which attracted 76 nominations. Some prominent persons have nominated for Moresby North-West.
All expectations are again on the new MP to fill the huge vacuum left by Sir Mek, which is almost mission impossible.
But that’s the madness of PNG politics – it’s not necessarily about the quality of leadership but the quantity of so-called service delivery.
The big question that still begs an answer is: Will the 2022 general election produce another statesman for Moresby North-West?
I guess the answer lies in all eligible voters who have the power to reinstate Moresby North-West’s reputation as an elite electorate or give it away to the dogs again.

Pama I Anio