Private Business Committee rejects Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister

The Private Business Committee has rejected the latest motion of no confidence in Prime Minister James Marape, saying it cannot be accepted under the country’s Constitution.

The motion was filed by Sir Puka Temu, the Member for Abau, and was seconded by James Nomane, the Member for Chuave. The two had nominated Peter O’Neill, Member for Ialibu-Pangia, as the alternate prime minister.

In a letter to Sir Puka, Speaker Pomat said the Private Business Committee met and decided that the motion could not be placed on the Parliament’s notice paper because of a new constitutional law now in effect.

He explained that under Section 145(5) of the Constitution, after a motion of no confidence fails, another one cannot be brought forward for 18 months.

The Speaker said a motion of no confidence was already moved and defeated on April 15, 2025, meaning no new motion can be introduced until that 18-month period ends.

Because of this, the Speaker has returned Sir Puka’s motion and advised that the Constitutional Amendment No. 48 [Motions of No Confidence] Law 2025 prevents any further no confidence votes for now.

The Opposition can only move a new Notice of Motion after the 15th of October 2026.