PNG's GG calls for new parliament to meet next week

2:42 pm on 27 July 2017

Papua New Guinea's Governor-General Bob Dadae has reportedly called for the country's new parliament to meet next Monday 31st of July.

While EM TV News reports the date for parliament is next Mondayother PNG media outlets like NBC say the sitting will begin on Friday next week.

However the deadline for the return of the election writs remains tomorrow, after the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato extended it from last Monday.

There is still around a third of the MPs-elect yet to be declared, but it's unlikely all 111 parliament seats will be declared by Friday.

Meanwhile, the People's National Congress, which is on track to secure around a quarter of the MPs, has announced it has arranged a coalition to form government.

Its leader Peter O'Neill, who is seeking to be prime minister again, says leaders of the People's Progress Party, the United Resources Party and the Social Democrats Party have agreed to a coalition with him.

This will be tested in next week's sitting of parliament.

Papua New Guinea's parliament facade, after the removal of anthropomorphic carved heads from the front lintel.

Papua New Guinea's parliament facade, after the removal of anthropomorphic carved heads from the front lintel. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades