28 Nov 2012

PNG opposition supports extension of no-confidence period

11:21 am on 28 November 2012

The Papua New Guinea Opposition gave its unanimous support to get Parliament past the first vote on the proposed law for an extension of the grace period for a motion of no-confidence.

The constitutional amendment Bill proposes to extend the grace period from 18 to 30 months, after which a vote of no confidence can be moved against a serving prime minister.

According to NBC news, the alternate prime minister Belden Namah told the House yesterday that he is lending his support, in the interests of political stability.

The sponsor of the amendment and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told Parliament that the government needs to be given sufficient time to fully implement its policies.

Parliament got the decision through with a unanimous vote of 102 and the third reading and final vote will now take place in two months.