Nine former Pangu Pati members, led by Bulolo MP, Sam Basil have joined the Melanesian Alliance Party.
The move comes days after the resignation of all Pangu MPs that left the Pangu without an active parliamentary wing. Basil’s move comes on the eve of parliament sitting and as both sides prepare for the vote of no confidence challenge.
Sam Basil produced a letter of invitation he says is evidence that the Melanesian Alliance was willing to accept them as new members back in 2018.
“I have with me a letter of invitation dated the 24th of September 2018. In doing so we have responded to official resign from Pangu Pati.”
Melanesian Alliance is one of the oldest parties in Papua New Guinea. It was started by John Momis and Sir John Kaputin in the 1970s. It has struggled to remain a political force as it was in the 70s and 80s.
In 2002, three MPs were elected under the Melanesian Alliance ticket – Sir Moi Avei, Kairuku-Hiri, Dame Carol Kidu, Moresby South and Anderson Vele, Rigo Open.
Then party leader, Wosera-Gaui MP Joseph Yopiyopi was the only member in the party after the 2017 elections. He later joined People’s National Congress.
After Pangu, the Melanesian Alliance, is the second party Sam Basil is attempting to revive said since 2017.
Basil has had a difficult run with Pangu Executives which forced resignation of the MPS.
“It has been difficult for us. They sacked me several times and recently, they sacked me again.
