Papua New Guinea government says VONC poses no threat

The Parliament of Papua New Guinea meets on 15 February 2024.
photo: Loop PNG / Screenshot

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government led by James Marape has once again avoided a vote of no confidence (VONC), but there will be more attempts to topple the government in the future.

Papua New Guinea’s opposition lost a bid on Monday to recall parliament for a vote.

Previously, Parliament had attempted to vote during its June session, but was not allowed by the Speaker, who abruptly ended the session.

The past two parliamentary sessions have been dominated by the opposition’s demands to overthrow the government, while lawmakers have pushed some key issues to the sidelines.

Currently, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa is planning a vote in September, with Parliament set to meet on September 3.

“We decided that we would not stop here. The fight must continue and we will take it to the next level, which is to prepare for September 3. As you all know, VONC (vote of no confidence) is a very important matter constitutionally and we have applied to the court for an interpretation of Section 145 (the part of the PNG constitution that sets out the rules for VONC), however, the court has never given the opportunity to interpret the substantive matters.”

Tomurisa claimed that the government did not want Section 145 to be interpreted by the courts nor did it want its figures to be tested in the House of Representatives.

“The Supreme Court has made its decision and we respect the decision of the Supreme Court, but importantly I appeal to those officials in the government who have approached us, who have spoken to us, who are willing to put their hands up. We know that some of them, I think four or five, have privately expressed their interest in being in the race for prime minister.

“The door is now open and anyone can raise their hand. Those in government who have the votes can take those votes and say I want to be the nominee. We discussed the possibilities in caucus and we have decided now that the premiership belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea.

“This is not just for the opposition or the government, this is for the people of Papua New Guinea. Any leader who has enough support and feels they can lead will be warmly welcomed and supported.”

Tomurisa also raised the possibility that the government might postpone the September meeting because the pope is due to arrive on September 6, while Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day is scheduled for September 16.

Prime Minister James Marape
photo: AFP

Meanwhile, Marape denied any VONC threats from the opposition.

He said lawmakers had assessed the opposition’s proposal and found it inadequate.

“We formed the government from 118 MPs. So MPs are assessing the Marape/Roso Papua New Guinea government,” he said.

“They go through a fair evaluation. They also consider the alternatives that are available. In any given organization, the replacement has to have clearer, better policy options than the incumbent.

“Our plan to take back Papua New Guinea, to economically empower our people, to work towards connecting the country and leaving no one and no one behind, remains our main policy plan.

He said it was up to the alternative teams circling to announce their policy choices.

“Whether it is for developing the economy, whether it is for maintaining law and order, whether it is for developing infrastructure, they have to announce it. For us, if we measure it by our commitment to the country in 2019, it is on record.

“For example, the economics of the Porgera gold mine that you see today is that we own 51% and investors own 49%, which is consistent with our mantra of taking back Papua New Guinea,” he added.