PNG High Court Seeks to Stop December 01 Parliament Sitting

The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court is seeking to stay the December 01 parliament sitting before it convenes next Tuesday so it can hear and deliberate first on current proceedings relating to an application by the Opposition challenging the legality of the recalling parliament by Speaker Job Pomat and a decision due to be handed down this week on the constitutionality of the appointment of James Marape as PM in 2019.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika was in support of submissions by lawyers representing both sides of the house that the substantive proceedings before this court were volatile in nature and should not be rushed thus asking the Opposition’s lawyers to negotiate with the applicant for the possibility to stay the sitting for a “reasonable amount of time” while court progresses on the hearings.

“The court adjourned from yesterday to today  to hear the position of the applicant in relation to the stay and further directions will be given, because time is of the essence,” said Salika.

Lawyer representing the clerk of parliament, Loani Henao said “important constitutional matters needed to be considered in the substantive matters” and should not be rushed in the interest of justice.

The case returns to court for further directions today Thursday 26 November and will be presided by a three-men bench.

Meanwhile three (3) Papua New Guinea members of Parliament camping at the Loloata Resort Hotel have been tested COVID-19 positive. 

In response to a social media speculation on reports of a MP being COVID19 positive Controller David MANNING made the announcement this afternoon at the Police Headquarters.

National Operations Centre Incident Manager, Dr Esorom Daoni says the MP tested positive to COVID19 three days ago.

While the 3 MPs have been put into isolation, Contract tracing has commenced at Loloata Resort.

Contact tracing and testing is being conducted among all staff of the resort as well all members of parliament currently staying there.

Dr Daoni also says that contract tracing and testing will also be conducted on all staff of the parliament house including all members of parliament currently camping in Vanimo.

The Government MPs including the Prime Minister Jame Marape are camping at the island resort as the opposition is mounting a Vote of No Confidence against the prime minister. 

PNGFM/FM100/PNGToday

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