A six-member political party in the Marape-led Coalition Government is losing its Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera.

United Resources Party will have only five MPs following his announcement to resign the seat on June 17.

Hagen MP William Duma is the party leader.

The four other MPs include Health Minister Jelta Wong, Simbu Governor Michael Dua, Lagaip-Porgera’s Tomait Kapili and Kundiawa Gembogl’s William Onglo.

North Waghi MP Fabian Pok and Kagua Erave’s Wesley Ramunai left URP and joined Basil’s United Liberal Party.

Lera is resigning from the seat to contest the Autonomous Bougainville Government elections in June.

The Regional MP reportedly said in the National Newspaper he wanted to seek election as the ABG President. https://www.thenational.com.pg/lera-to-resign-from-seat/

Thus, if he has his way, he said to prepapre ABG people during the post-referendum stage for political independence from PNG.

John Momis is the current ABG President.

The two-term MP said he saw himself as a puppet Regional MP.

“The ABG is more powerful in executing decisions to determine Bougainville’s future, not the national government.

“So I’m just wasting my time as a National MP,” the National reported today.

The two-term MP is tendering his resignation on June 17 when the Governor-General issues the writs for the elections.

The 56-year-old said he possessed all it takes to win the seat.

He polled more than 65,000 votes out of 80,000 to win the seat last election.