Interesting times in the political space ahead of the forthcoming VONC
The political front continues to develop an interesting movement between the two camps as undecided members of parliament remain uncertain about which team to join.
This morning saw a plot twist as Moresby North East member John Kaupa, Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu, and Okapa MP Saki Soloma rejoined the government caucus in Loloata, after initially defecting on Saturday night.
Kaupa arrived first on-site and was welcomed by government members before Dilu and Soloma returned to Prime Minister James Marape's alliance.
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge also marched into the country's top administration side after he arrived from China, bringing the government total to 42 (subject to change).
Former Leader of Government Business and Finance Minister Rainbo Paita orchestrated an influential move over the weekend, primarily taking with him 17 MPs, state ministers, and governors to join the alternative government camp.
The moves come in light of the approaching vote of no confidence pushed by the Opposition ultimately aimed to overthrow the sitting PM.
The opposition gathered at the Sanctuary Hotel with strict security protocols set. Opposition leader Douglas Tomuriesa praised the brave move spearheaded by Finschafen MP, Paita.
Parliament is expected to reconvene tomorrow at 2pm as the Opposition led by alternative PM Allan Bird table the VONC motion.
The notice of motion of no confidence is set to be presented this week where the Private Business Committee will consider the notice and instruct the clerk to place it on the notice paper if all procedural requirements are met, the speaker will then inform Parliament of the motion and the Parliament shall be adjourned for seven days.
"The voting on the motion of no confidence will happen next week if the above scenario occurs. I don't anticipate voting on the motion this week," constitutional lawyer Nemo Yalo told NBC News on the VONC process.
"The tide is flowing one way. Who knows, the PM might throw in the towel and resign like what Peter O'Neill did on 29 June 2019. A case of dĕjăvű.
"That means that the Speaker will as soon as practicable, inform Parliament of the vacancy in the office of the PM, and thereafter, the Parliament adjourns to the next day to meet and elect the Prime Minister a day after. I doubt Marape will throw in the towel." Mr Yalo said.
Marape has assured the country over the weekend he will not resign as prime minister but only through a vote of no confidence in parliament if it is successful.
