26 Jul 2004

PNG Prime Minister says Integrity Act will stop MPs swapping allegiance

3:01 pm on 26 July 2004

The Papua New Guinea prime minister says he is not concerned about any possible leadership challenge when parliament sits today.

Sir Michael Somare says under the Integrity of Political Parties Act, many of his opponents would be voting illegally if they changed their allegiance.

He says despite claims by opposition members to be able to oust him he is convinced he has the numbers because of the stability clause.

"and they have to stick with that rule. Their votes will be invalidated if they vote, even if they join the group to vote for no confidence, their votes won't be counted"

PNG's prime minister, Sir Michael Somare