PNG High Court Rules, Marape's Election as Prime Minister Legal

The election of Prime Minister James Marape 18 months ago is legal. This was the overwhelming decision reached by the five men Supreme Court bench this morning in Port Moresby.

The Supreme Court reference filled by Opposition Leader Belden Namah, asking the Court interpretation on the election of James Marape as prime minister on 30th May last year, followed the country's laws.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Justice David Cannings, Justice George Manuhu, Justice Derrick Hartshorn, and Justice Ere Kariko found an action by Parliament Speaker Job Pomat did not breach any specific Parliament Standing Orders or the Constitution.

All decisions were reached individually by the judges.

The majority of the Judge's decision was reached because no Members of Parliament objected on May 30th May 2019, when Parliament was in session during the election of a new Prime Minister, after then Prime Minister Peter O'Neill resigned from the country's top post.

The overwhelming decision by the five men Supreme Court bench was reached to maintain the separation of powers by the Legislature and Judiciary arm of the Government.

NBC/PNG Today

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