PNG court upholds constitutional changes to Vote of No Confidence laws

 PNG court upholds constitutional changes to Vote of No Confidence laws/Prime Minister James Marape

The Supreme Court has upheld amendments to Papua New Guinea's Constitution relating to the Vote of No Confidence process, handing the Government a legal victory as preparations begin for the 2027 National General Election.

Prime Minister James Marape said the decision confirms the legality of Parliament's actions and provides a stronger foundation for political stability, democratic governance and continued national development.

The constitutional challenge against amendments to Section 145 was dismissed yesterday, bringing an end to legal proceedings over the reforms.

Mr Marape said the outcome settles the final constitutional question surrounding the amendments and enables the Government to direct its full attention towards building the economy and improving public services.

“Today (yesterday) the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Government and in favour of the amendments we made, affirming that there was nothing wrong with those amendments. This technically is the last hurdle clearing the way to 2027,” he said.

The Prime Minister reflected on the political environment since taking office seven years ago, saying his Government had faced continuous legal references and repeated votes of no confidence.

According to Mr Marape, those challenges demanded considerable time and attention, yet they did not prevent the Government from pursuing development priorities across the country.

He pointed to investments in Connect PNG, education, healthcare, law and justice reforms, district funding and initiatives aimed at increasing national returns from resource projects.

Mr Marape also said several of the Government's reform programs had attracted opposition from interests resisting downstream processing and the "Take Back PNG" agenda.

He expressed appreciation to Government Members of Parliament for standing together throughout the political and legal challenges while also thanking God for sustaining the administration.

Mr Marape said the constitutional amendments were intended to strengthen future governments rather than benefit any single Prime Minister.

As the country moves towards the next national election, he urged voters to make informed decisions based on integrity, sound policies and leadership qualities.

He also rejected accusations that DSIP and PSIP allocations had been used to win political support, insisting both Government and Opposition MPs received funding on an equal basis.

“We have had to persevere—balancing the work of Government, defending court cases, responding to political challenges, and at the same time continuing to deliver for our people.”

“The Government caucus has consistently given me undisputed support.”

“It is simply not true when people claim that DSIP was used to influence Members.”