23 Jun 2011

PNG's ruling party accepts anti-Abal resolution

1:34 pm on 23 June 2011

The national executive of Papua New Guinea's ruling National Alliance Party has accepted a regional resolution pushing for the Acting Prime Minister's expulsion from the party.

The party's president Simon Kaiwi has told the newspaper, The National, the executive has accepted the resolution of the Highlands executive for Sam Abal to be dismissed from the party because of his sacking of Don Polye from cabinet.

The paper reports the development comes as the People's National Congress considers whether to remain in government following the demotion of its leader, Peter O'Neill, in this week's cabinet reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the second largest party in government, the United Resources Party, has reportedly split in two.

The party leader William Duma claims he has sacked Francis Potape and party founder Anderson Agiru from the party, but both men claim due process was not followed.

Mr Potape replaced Mr Duma as petroleum and energy minister this week.