VONC UNSUCCESSFUL|MARAPE REMAINS

By Naomi TAKOMA & Benjamin KOITAKA

James Marape remains Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, following the Vote of No Confidence against him this morning in Parliament . 89 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted to keep Marape as Prime Minister, while only 16 MPs supported the vote to remove him. The numbers were not enough to change the leadership.

This vote happened after the court recently ordered Parliament to deal with the VONC, which was first brought up during the November 27, 2024 sitting. The Opposition had named Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas as their choice for Prime Minister if the vote had passed.

In today’s session, the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat once again refused to let the floor debate the motion, as stipulated in Constitution and the court order by the Supreme Court, sparking outrage from the opposition.

With this result, Prime Minister Marape continues to lead the country, and the Opposition will now have to go back to the drawing board after their attempt to change the government failed.