Papua New Guinea's veteran politician, Sir Michael Somare, is standing down as leader of his National Alliance Party.
Sir Michael has led the party since its formation in 1996.
Megan Whelan reports
"Sir Michael is expected to join a government led by the man who controversially replaced him last year, Peter O'Neill. He says he is pleased with the overwhelming mandate given to him by the people of East Sepik, but he accepts defeat as the leader of the party. He says as the leader of his party going into the elections, he campaigned to ensure the type of violations of the constitution that began with his removal last year are corrected. But Sir Michael says as the results of the elections emerge, he accepts that the people have spoken and many of the party's candidates did not win their seats. Sir Michael is handing over leadership of the National Alliance Party to Patrick Pruaitch, until such time as a permanent leader is determined by the Party caucus."
