5 Feb 2013

PNG parliament passes second reading of votes of no-confidence bill

9:24 pm on 5 February 2013

Legislation to extend the grace period protecting a government from no-confidence votes from 18 to 30 months following an election has passed the second reading in Papua New Guinea's parliament.

Middlebenchers supported the coalition government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in a 90 to 14 vote for the constitutional amendment.

Only two MPs spoke during today's reading of the bill, including Mr O'Neill who told parliament that its main aim is to end political instability.

PNG's parliamentary term runs for five years.

Motions of no-confidence also cannot be moved within the final year of the term.