James Marape addresses no-Confidence vote as Parliament resumes today

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed confidence in government's stance to survive a potential vote of no-confidence against his leadership as the National Parliament is set to resume today.

Marape assured both sides of the house that democratic process will be exercised in the Parliament sitting today, giving the opposition to throw in the VONC motion.

Prime Minister Marape highlighted the opposition's intent to propose a no-confidence motion following the expiration of the 18-month grace period last Friday.

However, he criticised what he termed “frivolous and opportunistic” attempts to undermine his administration.

 “We will respect those who want to initiate a vote-of no-confidence against my leadership,” he affirmed.

With the opposition swelling in numbers to table VONC in this week’s sitting, Mr Marape highlighted the importance of section 145 of the National Constitution, which governs the procedure for a no-confidence vote.

“The due process will facilitate those who want to invoke Section 145 provisions of our National Constitution,” he stated.

The Pangu Pati leader has gained the interest of other MPs in lead-up to the first sitting of the national parliament for 2024 with 56 MPs under his wings.

Mr Marape is set to maintain his post with solid backing from other coalition parties that are currently in the government caucus.

He announced that the recent Pangu Pati National Convention urged a closer examination of section 63, related to the invitation to form a government, and section 145 of the Constitution.

“This approach aims to ensure that any no-confidence motion is based on substantial grounds rather than being motivated by short-term political gains.

“This is so that only serious proposals emerge instead of ‘frivolous and opportunistic’ attempts,” Marape explained.

Mr Marape outlined government’s intention to reinforce the role of the Parliamentary Opposition, enhancing the democratic dialogue within the legislature.

In a reassurance to the economic sector, the prime minister affirmed the stability and longevity of the current government, encouraging the business community and investors to have confidence in the government's continuity.

“I assure investors and the business community that the Government is stable and is here to stay,” he said.

The Prime Minister appealed to people to allow the political process to eventuate without interruptions that may cause public disharmony, cautioning to keep away from social media propaganda.

“I also urge our people to leave politics to politicians. They must realise that MPs are mandated by their people to be in Parliament, and they should not be wasting time playing politics on social media and on the streets,” he said.