21 Jul 2010

Motion for no confidence vote expected in PNG today

1:22 pm on 21 July 2010

The Opposition in the Papua New Guinea Parliament is expected to put a motion of no confidence in the Government of Sir Michael Somare today.

This comes after two weeks of political turmoil initiated by a court ruling that parts of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates was unconstitutional.

The ruling allows MPs to switch their political allegiance, something that has not been possible since 2002.

Parliament is already sitting on the second day of a new session and the first order of business is the swearing in of the Governor General Sir Paulias Matane.

Observers say the Opposition is expected to try and put the motion after that.

Such a move had been expected yesterday but the Somare Government had the backing of enough MPs to ensure it didn't happen.

If the motion is accepted a vote would take place by next Wednesday.