Papua New Guinea's Registrar of Political Parties and Candidates says the four members of Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party who wish to defect are still technically in that party.
The four MPs, including three cabinet ministers, have indicated they want to defect to the ruling Peoples National Congress party.
But Alphonse Gelu says they still belong to their original party until all administrative processes regarding their move are completed.
Dr Gelu says the PNC party must also write to him to advise that they accept the new proposed members.
