By Miriam Zarriga - Post Courier
She quietly sat in the public gallery and watched the events of May 30 unfold.
She did not know what was going to happen nor had she sat down her six children and spoken to them about what was about to happen.
Rachael Marape, the wife of Tari-Pori MP James Marape, at 11.16pm became the wife of the eighth prime minister of Papua New Guinea.
While the eyes of the country and the world watched, she quietly walked behind her husband, who was on his way to the Governor-General’s office to be sworn-in, and the country and the world had its first glance at the woman whose husband had been elected PM.
Mrs Marape comes from a parentage of East Sepik and Hela.
When asked on how she felt during the election and the subsequent swearing-in at the Governor-General’s office, she paused, gathered herself before saying that it was an emotional day and challenging to watch — especially everything that has happened till the election.
“I was just watching, getting emotional; I also felt for them (MPs), it is a challenge,” Mrs Marape said.
“I have always been in the background, supporting my husband, this is what I will still do — supporting him.
“What I have to do I will do, firstly I have a responsibility as a mother and a wife — that will not change.”
She said she is simpler and prefers to do things her way, not wanting anyone to do things for her.
“I don’t prefer anyone driving me around.
“I don’t prefer anyone driving me around.
“Maybe I have to change. I’m not too sure, I’m not going to change most of my habits, but I will live a simple life and be a supportive wife.
“I will always be there doing whatever I can do for him.”
When asked on whether their six children had been told of what would happen and the changes that would come with it, Mrs Marape said the events of today (yesterday) were not explained to their children, especially the two younger children.
“No it just happened; I informed them three weeks ago when it didn’t happen. We didn’t inform them but the little ones have not agreed to the changes that may be faced while the bigger ones have accepted the changes,” Mrs Marape said.
“Especially the two little ones, they wanted more time with their daddy and I have told them that their daddy may not have more time with us.”
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