PNG PM Marape Survives No Confidence Vote in Dramatic Parliament Session
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has successfully retained his position after overcoming a vote of no confidence in a highly charged parliamentary sitting held on Monday.
The session drew full attendance from MPs across the political spectrum, with many arriving before the official start time of 10:00 am. The proceedings commenced with a prayer by Ijivitari MP David Arore, signaling the importance of the day in the country’s political landscape.
The motion for the vote of no confidence was introduced by Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and seconded by Wabag MP Dr Tom Lino. Both members addressed Parliament, expressing dissatisfaction with Marape’s leadership and outlining reasons they believed new leadership was necessary.
Tensions escalated as MPs including Madang MP Bryan Kramer, Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, and Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane raised repeated points of order. They urged Speaker Job Pomat to allow debate on the motion before the vote, pointing to a court order that mandated the session. Kramer even warned that proceeding without a proper debate could put the Speaker in contempt of court.
Speaker Pomat, after consulting parliamentary clerks, allowed the vote to continue. He clarified that while the court had ordered the recall of Parliament, the internal processes of the House were still governed by its standing orders, which justified his ruling.
Following the vote count, Marape emerged with the majority backing of the House, ensuring his continuation as Prime Minister and ending the opposition’s attempt to remove him from office.
Parliament has since adjourned and is scheduled to resume at 2:00 pm on May 27.
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