8 Feb 2013

Extending period for motions of no-confidence in PNG raises concerns

11:31 am on 8 February 2013

A political scientist says an extension of the grace period for motions of no-confidence doesn't bode well for Papua New Guinea's democracy.

The comment from the University of PNG's Orovu Sepoe comes after parliament voted to extend the grace period protecting a government from no-confidence votes from 18 to 30 months after an election.

Motions of no-confidence also cannot be moved within the last year of PNG's five-year parliament term.

Dr Sepoe says it's an excessive grace period, given the behaviour PNG's public has come to expect of politicians.

"A government has to demonstrate to its citizens that it has that integrity and accountability to stay in power by its very own actions. You can't come ahead of what the public has to say about the government's rule by stating that you have a right to stay in power without being interferred with."

Orovu Sepoe.