Marape welcomes Supreme Court decision

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the Supreme Court decision dismissing a challenge against the new law on motions of no confidence.

The Supreme Court ruled that Constitutional Amendment No.48 is valid and follows the Constitution.

The amendment stops repeated motions of no confidence from being filed after an earlier motion has failed.

Prime Minister Marape said the ruling is important for political stability and long-term development in Papua New Guinea.

“The Court has now made it absolutely clear that Section 145(5) is constitutional and consistent with the spirit of responsible government envisioned by our Constitution,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“This decision is not merely about one political case or one Prime Minister. James Marape will not be here forever. This amendment is for the long-term stability of Papua New Guinea and for future governments that will continue to benefit from this law, just as we continue to benefit from good laws passed before us.”

Mr Marape said PNG’s history showed that stable governments helped the economy grow and improve services.

“In the first 27 years of our nationhood, from 1975 to 2002, Papua New Guinea changed governments 13 times. During that period, economic growth was slow,” he said.

“In the last 23 years, when the country had only three Prime Ministers, our economy experienced its fastest growth. These are historical facts tied directly to political stability and continuity in government.”

The Supreme Court also ruled that issues raised by Opposition Leader James Nomane had already been dealt with in earlier court cases.

Prime Minister Marape said the law still allows a Prime Minister to be removed through the constitutional process if leaders lose confidence in the government.

“The safety mechanism remains fully intact,” he said.

“If the majority of leaders no longer have confidence in a Prime Minister, the constitutional process for removal remains available.”

Mr Marape thanked the Supreme Court for its decision and called on leaders to focus on national development and stability.

“Our people expect leadership, stability, and progress,” he said.