Pangu sets eyes on 2012 polls

PANGU Pati, one of the oldest political parties in the country, is preparing to go out and win as many seats as possible in the 2012 general elections.
The party has set a target of K1 million to raise this year with the biggest event set for July 23, to coincide with the party’s 43rd anniversary.
The party has so far raised more than K300,000 from two activities.
Sunday’s event was supported by Helifix management which provided food and drinks where more than K90,000 in cash donations and pledges were received.
Party leader and Housing Minister Andrew Kumbakor, deputy speaker and Talasea MP Francis Marus and Kavieng MP Martin Aini were present at Sunday’s second fundraiser.
Kumbakor said he was privileged to lead the oldest political party in the country started by  Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
He said the party could repeat history when, in the 1982 elections, it made a clean sweep winning 52 seats, three short of a majority to have a one-party government.
“The party has a rich history although it has been poor due to poor management of the party,” he said.
Kumbakor said it was time and his duty now to rebuild the party, although there were many challenges ahead, including political stability and law and order issues,  which are some of the roadblocks.
“I hope we can organise ourselves as the law is very clear that the party with the biggest number, after the elections, will be invited to form government,” he said.
“Pangu is here to stay and to be in government is very important for the party.”
Deputy speaker Marus said party supporters were waiting patiently for the party to organise itself before the 2012 elections.
He said three years had gone past with only two years remaining for the party to go back to the people.
“We can repeat history but we must work together to push Pangu Pati into a new era,” Marus said.
The fundraiser was attended by former senior public servants, including Joseph Gabut and David Nelson.