Oops, there goes the dynasty… Arthur loses seat
18 July 2012
KEITH JACKSON
ARTHUR SOMARE, FORMER MINISTER and son of Papua New Guinea's Grand Chief, this afternoon lost his seat of Angoram in the East Sepik Province.
After a close tussle, Somare (National Alliance) was defeated in the final count by inveterate candidate (he first stood for election in 1982) Ludwig Schulze (Pangu), who finished with 11,800 votes to Somare’s 10,624.
Schulze, originally from New Ireland, has been a businessman in Angoram for many years, dealing mostly in crocodile skins. At one time he had close links to Sir Julius Chan and may be expected to support him in the new parliament.
Like many PNG politicians, Arthur Somare has been a controversial figure. He was first elected in 1997 and served in a number of ministries including Communications, Planning, Public Enterprises, Information and Development.
As Minister for Public Enterprises, Somare was responsible for the Independent Public Business Corporation, the sole shareholder of Air Niugini, Telikom, PNG Power, Ports PNG, PNG Waterboard, and other businesses.
He was considered to be one of the key political tacticians of the National Alliance.
Losing his seat is the greatest hiccough in his career, but he’s had a few previously.
In 2006, he resigned as Minister for National Planning and Monitoring over alleged “financial improprieties”. He was soon reappointed but, in July last year, was suspended for “misconduct in office”.
Somare has also been accused by the respected one time prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta of squandering state funds through poor business decisions, malpractice and misappropriation of funds for personal gain, including lavish homes in Australia and visits to Singapore.
Footnote: The seat hasn't been declared yet, but Trade Minister and occasional PNG Attitude contributor Charles Abel has easily won Alotau for the People's National Congress.
Buckleys David! I once was told that Arthur Somare went to Joeys, St Josephs College, Hunters Hill, across the river, but he is not listed as a member of the my OB Fraternity.
I further doubt if he is listed on the "Iggies", St Ignatius or "Riverview", OB Fraternity. I don't think either college will be sending any forms of condolence.
Maybe he went to Kings.
Thank the good lord that one of the commentators to this blog is overseas and "hopefully" never sees this. I will get hung, drawn and quartered for my suggestion.
All three colleges had wool classification classes, but I don't recall any fishing classes.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | 19 July 2012 at 06:00 PM
I wonder if Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce will be sending Arthur, a fellow Old Boy of Riverview, a letter of condolence after losing his parliamentary seat.
Posted by: David Wall | 19 July 2012 at 02:49 PM
Arthur did come across as an intelligent, articulate and able leader during his time in the limelight although he did show some arrogance towards and disregard for his opponents.
The Post Courier carried his speech accepting his defeat on the front page today. I am impressed by the level of maturity he showed in that speech.
I have mixed reactions on his exit.
Posted by: David Kitchnoge | 19 July 2012 at 02:31 PM
Very sad father still hanging around and son leaves him.
Sepik people made a good decision to overthrow Arthur so that Somare Snr can now exercise his freedom and gather around with young PNGians to form the next government.
Good news for PNG.....
Posted by: Komodo Yanamundi | 18 July 2012 at 08:55 PM
That is great news, seems the Sepik people have woken up at last. Let good old Arthur join the people for once and get off the "money-go-round".
I wonder does Arthur know how to garden and catch fish (the swimming ones)?
Now which one of the "money-go-rounders" will hopefully be next?
I think Phil should pen another "tongue in cheek" story.
Just might be the wake up call that is needed, lets hope so.
This, Ludwig Schulze, fellow, who actually is he?
The name looks German. Now get the Imperial Emperor of orange Hawaiian shirt fame and toss him off his "litter". I think that photo of him being carried is the most offensive and bizarre photo of any politican I have ever seen. Unfortunately I wasn't around in the days of the Caesars etc.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | 18 July 2012 at 06:58 PM
Best news so far on the 2012 elections!
Posted by: Joseph Hosea | 18 July 2012 at 06:29 PM
Arthur losing his Angoram seat is the best piece of PNG election news I have heard in a long while!
Finally some parts of the Sepik are waking up from their slumber.
Posted by: John Wali | 18 July 2012 at 06:08 PM