The Papua New Guinea government coalition is putting increased emphasis on the elections next month in Southern Highlands after the loss of three Cabinet Ministers in three weeks.
Ben Semri and Dr Puka Temu have lost their seats after losing cases at the Court of Disputed Returns, while Alois Kingsley has been suspended because he is facing gun charges.
The Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, says Mr Semri and Dr Temu were good ministers trying to address some of the difficult situations facing the nation.
He says it is unfortunate that they lost their seats, but the judicial system has to be respected.
And Sir Michael says he is pleased they have both appealed.
Meanwhile our correspondent in Port Moresby Peter Niesi says winning some of the six seats in the Southern Highlands supplementary poll is now more important for the coalition partners.
"April the 20th is when polling begins in Southern Highlands and all the coalition partners have so far endorsed about six candidates and they're hoping to get as many returned to strngthen their power base."
