16 Jul 2003

PNG government may face challenge to Integrity Act amendment

11:16 am on 16 July 2003

The Papua New Guinea government may face a legal challenge if its amended Integrity of Political parties and Candidates Act is passed.

Opposition MPs say parliament was not given the required notice of 30 days to consider the amendments.

The Government is pushing for a 36 month grace period before a vote of no confidence can be moved against it, instead of the current 18 months.

It's also seeking that an absolute majority of 55 be required for a motion of no confidence to be successful instead of the current simple majority of 37.

"Our correspondent in Port Moresby, Peter Niesi says the Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare who tabled the amendments in parliament today (Tues yesterday) may face a challenge."

The opposition Nuku MP, Andrew Kumbakor, was concerned about the fact that not enough notice had been given for the proposed changes. Two lots of legal advice advice that have surfaced have so far indicated it's an arguable case, so while parliament may go ahead and pass the legiclation, it might be affected by that question.