PNG Parliament Speaker Pomat recalls Urgent Parliamentary Sitting on Supreme Court Order
Papua New Guinean Speaker Job Pomat has announced that the National Parliament will convene for an urgent sitting on Tuesday, April 8, as mandated by the Supreme Court. The decision follows a court ruling that declared the rejection of a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape unconstitutional. In a gazette notification (G294) issued yesterday, Speaker Pomat stated: “In compliance with the Order of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCCA No.1 of 2025), dated March 31, 2025, I hereby fix 10 O’clock in the forenoon of Tuesday, April 8, as the time and date on which the Parliament shall meet.”
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| PNG Parliament Speaker Pomat recalls Urgent Parliamentary Sitting on Supreme Court Order |
The motion, initially blocked by the Parliamentary Private Business Committee (PBC) on November 27, 2024, under Standing Order 165, will now proceed to the floor of Parliament. The Supreme Court found that Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan and the PBC had acted outside their constitutional authority by rejecting the motion, prompting the directive for Parliament to reconvene. Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has been named as the alternative candidate for prime minister should the motion succeed.
Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has called on parliamentarians to heed public demands for leadership change. He confirmed yesterday that all signatories to the motion remain committed, dismissing claims that shifts in political allegiance could invalidate the process.
“The required one-tenth of Parliament have signed, and they are all in the Opposition,” Tomuriesa said. He urged members to act in the interest of the people, emphasizing the need for a leader who prioritizes national welfare over personal or political gain. “PNG needs a new face. Whoever it is must have a heart for the people, not the interests of the leaders around him or self-preservation,” he remarked.
Tomuriesa also pointed to growing public unrest, citing student protests and lawyer marches as signs of widespread dissatisfaction. “We do it now or forget about it. We do it with dedication and commitment, and with heart for the people. Hear the cries of your voters,” he added.
Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his respect for the court’s decision and welcomed the recall of Parliament. While the Government prepares to address the motion, discussions may also focus on broader governance issues, particularly the independence of the three branches of government. The ruling highlights the importance of upholding constitutional principles and ensuring accountability in parliamentary processes.
Abau MP Sir Puka Temu has demanded the resignation of Speaker Job Pomat, Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, and the five members of the PBC, following the court’s declaration that their actions were unconstitutional. The committee, led by Hela Governor Phillip Undialu as chairman and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi as deputy, along with Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, and Western Governor Toboi Yoto, faced criticism for their handling of the motion.
Sir Puka condemned the committee’s actions, stating: “The Supreme Court ruling confirms that the committee must not act outside its jurisdiction of being custodians of the principle of ‘collective responsibility of the executive to the people’, and ensuring this motion of importance reaches the floor for Parliament to decide.” He argued that obstructing the motion undermined democratic rights and violated the principles of accountability.
Under standard parliamentary procedure, once the motion is tabled, the Clerk to Parliament will place it on the notice paper, and Parliament will adjourn for seven days before a vote is taken. This period allows members time to deliberate on the matter before making a decision.
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