VONC on foot as Parliament adjourns

Papua New Guinea’s political landscape may change in the coming days as the impending vote-of-no-confidence takes precedence after the parliament was adjourned today.

Parliament has been suspended until next week Thursday where both sides of the government will decide the country’s top leadership role.

The presiding government under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape are confident to survive a successful VONC motion moved by Opposition.

The motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister is on the notice paper with Finschafen MP and Our Pati leader Rainbo Paita nominated as the alternate PM.

This was confirmed by the Clerk of Parliament, Kala Aufa, after the Douglas Tomuriesa led opposition side successfully resubmitted the no - confidence motion yesterday.

According to Mr Aufa, the sixth motion of no confidence notice against the Prime Minister met all the requirements after five failed attempts by the Opposition to overthrow PM Marape.

As per the standing orders, the House will adjourn for a period of seven days to allow the VONC process.
With VONC now on foot, the government coalition led by Marape boast 77 MPs while Opposition who have 34 members at present are optimistic of building their numbers.

Meanwhile, leader of Government Business Peter Tisamalili Jnr says the motion to move parliament is also to accord the arrive of Pope Francis tomorrow and the repatriation of the late Central Bougainville MP Simon Dumarinu to Buka on Monday.

Parliament speaker Job Pomat is expected to handover the body of Dumarinu to the provincial member and the president of Bougainville.