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Prime Minister Marape Escapes No-Confidence Challenge Under New Constitutional Rule
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has been spared having to face a motion of no confidence thanks to a constituional ammendment passed earlier this year.
The no-confidence motion was submitted on Wednesday by MP for Abau Open Sir Puka Temu, with former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill nominated by the opposition as the alternate prime minister.
In a signed letter sighted by RNZ Pacific on Thursday, Speaker Job Pomat explained the Private Business Committee had determined the motion could not be placed on the notice paper because of a constitutional amendment passed in March.
The amendment states that after an unsuccessful motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister and government, no subsequent leadership challenge can be tabled for a period of 18 months.
In April this year, a motion of no confidence against Marape was moved, voted on and defeated in parliament.
Pomat said, as a result, the Constitution prohibits the moving of another motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister at this time.
On Wednesday, Marape said he welcomed "any challenge" to his leadership.
He said the no-confidence motion brought against him was a "distraction".
"We must stop constant political manoeuvring. Fifty years on, our nation deserves better. Leaders must grow up and make responsible choices," he said.
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