Drawing from early calm and peaceful elections in Hela province, Prime Minister, James Marape has appealed to his Tari-Pori and entire Hela people for lasting peace during the 2022 General Elections. and beyond

He made the appeal in front of a massive crowd of thousands of people in Tari on Friday (June 10 2022) It was an event witnessed by an Australian 60-Minute TV crew who was there at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

The  crew had earlier in the day filmed an interview with PM Marape in Port Moresby.

Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu, Tari Town Mayor Andaja ‘AJ’ Jali and other local leaders also echoed the same message of peace and calm during the elections.

The Prime Minister was thankful that elections so far in Hela had been very peaceful and quiet, urging his people to continue this trend.

I appeal to all of you to respect the laws of the country. You have not carried bush knives, axes and guns and have not intimidated other candidates – something for which I thank the people of Hela.

“I want this good behavior to continue.

“I want this to be a place of free campaign for all candidates.

“Whoever is contesting for the Regional Seat is welcome to campaign here, whoever is contesting for the Tari-Pori Seat is welcome to campaign here.

“Candidates must be free to campaign and talk about their policies and people must be free to vote for a candidate of their choice.

PM Marape also thanked Governor Undialu for being around in Tari and Hela while he was engaged in national duties.

“I thank Governor Undialu for not only being my fullback in national politics, but also remaining at home (in Tari and Hela) over the last three hard years, as I could not be here all the time,” he said.

“I also thank the Deputy Governor, Local Level Government (LLG) presidents, councilors, past and present provincial administrators, public servants, police and army for their work in holding Hela.

“In 2017, you did not elect me as prime minister, you elected me as your MP for one more (third) time.

“But by the Grace of God, and with the support of 101 MPs, we were given the Prime Ministership.”