14 Dec 2020

Leadership showdown looming in PNG

From , 5:03 am on 14 December 2020

A leadership showdown is looming in Papua New Guinea with the opposition ramping up its calls for Prime Minister James Marape to resign.

The Supreme Court has ordered parliament to sit next Monday, quashing the government's recent adjournment of parliament until April.

The court ruled that Speaker Job Pomat's move to overturn an earlier adjournment and call a sitting last month, without the opposition present, was unconstitutional.

Mr Marape, who last month lost his majority, could now face a vote of no-confidence later this month.

Opposition leader Belden Namah says his group is ready to form government.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape addresses media regarding a Supreme Court ruling relating to parliament. 9 December, 2020.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape addresses media regarding a Supreme Court ruling relating to parliament. 9 December, 2020. Photo: PNG PM Media