Government asking court interpretation on Allan Bird’s eligibility as alternate prime minister

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, the alternate government's nominee for the Prime Minister's post (Supplied: National Parliament)

The Special Parliamentary Committee deliberating on the VONC met today after lunch to discuss the motion to bring a no confidence vote to the floor of parliament against Prime Minister James Marape.

NBC confirmed the sitting of the committee today after the motion was filed on Tuesday following the end of the 18 months grace period last Friday.

The committee verdict will be made known by the Speaker when Parliament sits tomorrow morning.

The Committee comprises Hela Governor, Philip Undialu as Chairman, Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi as Deputy and other members include Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, Western Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto and Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta.

But without waiting for a decision by the committee, the government had already filed a Supreme court reference asking for its interpretation about the opposition nominee of the alternate prime minister.

Attorney General, Pila Niningi is seeking the court's opinion if the nomination of East Sepik Governor Allan Bird is in line with the Constitution, and the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates in the motion of no confidence vote filed by the alternate government.