Central governor appeals to Papuan leaders to rise up amidst VoNC

Chairperson of Papua governors dialogue 2025 and Central governor Rufina Peter has appealed to all leaders in the Papuan region to make crucial decisions amidst the Vote of No Confidence move against the Prime Minister.

Ms Peter has called on Papuan leaders from the Opposition and Government to consider the people they represent when undertaking political choices with the VONC now on table.

As the VONC now shapes the national political climate, the Central governor challenged her colleague leaders to be decisive during this democratic movement.

“Let this not be a mere contest of political survival or factional loyalty. Let us, instead, vote with conscience, with clarity of purpose, and with compassion,” Rufina said in a statement.

“Let us rise above political convenience and answer the call of our people - people who are enduring the harsh realities of daily life marked by economic strain, social insecurity, failing systems of basic services, and a deepening erosion of trust in government.

“This vote to be called tomorrow in the chambers of National Parliament - must not be reduced to a game of shifting allegiances or personal gain. Rather, it must become a pivotal moment to demonstrate leadership with empathy, common sense, and courage.

“Our people from the coastal shores of Milne Bay to the mountain ridges of Oro, from the mighty river lands and swamplands of Gulf and Western Province to the heartlands of Central, and the Nation's Capital, NCD are watching.

“Their hope lies in the power they have transferred to us in the 2022 NGE, trusting that we will use it wisely; in such as time as this.”

Peter said as an elected leader, her appeal also represents the voices that are calling for change in government.

She said this is an imperative call that be heard not only by the Papua Region Members of Parliament but collectively by all leaders of the National Parliament of PNG.

“We must decide based on our conscience, a clear conscience and not based on political alliances and self-interest,” Ms. Peter said.

The first term parliamentarian outlined that many Papua New Guineans are quietly suffering under the Marape-Rosso government, given the current tough economic conditions and law and order chaos.