PARLIAMENT TO RECONVENE FOLLOWING COURT DECISION

By Naomi TAKOMA

The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has ruled in favor of Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane, ordering the recall of Parliament within seven days to address the motion of Vote of No Confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court’s five-man bench found that the Deputy Speaker and the Private Business Committee acted unconstitutionally when they prevented the motion from being tabled on November 27, 2024.

The nominee for the Prime Ministerial position at the time was veteran politician Sir Peter Ipatas.

Prime Minister James Marape, addressing the media upon his return from Enga at the APEC terminal yesterday afternoon, reassured the nation that his government respects the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s decision.

“Our government has consulted our coalition partners as well as the rank and file of the Public Party. They are all in total support, and we respect the Supreme Court’s ruling,” Marape stated.

He further confirmed that Vice Minister had briefed him on the court order and that the Clerk of Parliament had officially informed him that Parliament had been served with the order.

“We respect the court decision, we will comply with it, and Parliament will sit on the date as directed by the court. We will go through the process as required by law,” Marape assured.

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, reinforcing the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

With the court’s directive, all eyes are now on the Parliament as the nation awaits the next steps in the political process.