12 Jan 2011

PNG opposition plans to move against government again

10:16 am on 12 January 2011

The opposition in Papua New Guinea has indicated it will try again to launch a motion for a vote of no confidence when parliament reconvenes to elect a governor general at the end of the week.

During yesterday's parliamentary session it was agreed that a vote for the position of governor general will take place on Friday.

Nominations for the position have now opened and will close on Wednesday afternoon.

Our correspondent Alex Rheeney says the opposition plans to try and move against the government again on Friday, but it's unlikely to be successful.

"The numbers are a little bit fluid at the moment but the government in a show of strength walked into the chamber in numbers and most of the 78 MPs who were in the chamber are all pro-government MPs so we will just have to wait and see how things will pan out on Friday."

Alex Rheeney says the government is likely to support the nomination of the former Governor General Sir Paulias Matane to return to the position, but other contenders may include Barry Holloway.

The opposition has indicated it will support a number of candidates including two women, Winnie Kiap and Enny Moatz.