22 May 2012

Two groups claiming to be PNG's caretaker govt but election remains on track

6:43 pm on 22 May 2012

Peter O'Neill and his supporters insist they are Papua New Guinea's caretaker government in the lead-up to the elections despite his administration being declared illegal by the Supreme Court yesterday.

The ruling, reiterating the court's December decision that Sir Michael Somare was the country's legitimate Prime Minister, has thrown new uncertainty over the country's lingering political impasse.

While the Somare group's attempt to be sworn in as caretaker government at Government House has so far been unsuccessful, Peter O'Neill's group is attempting to have a special sitting of parliament.

Our correspondent Titi Gabi says Peter O'Neill gave a press conference this afternoon.

"He insists with Namah that they are still the caretaker government. They also said that the session that was supposed to have happened today has been moved to 10am tomorrow. Strangely enough, despite their differences, both sides say the elections will happen (on schedule). It's not going to affect the election."

Titi Gabi