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Tag: Vote of No Confidence

  • Hon. Powes Parkop MP on The Vote of No Confidence

    The Vote of No Confidence’

    As a leader of a party within the governing coalition government led by Prime Minister O’Neil, and in my capacity as Governor of NCD, I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court to recall Parliament to deal with the Vote of No Confidence. After all the stress that the country has faced in the last nine or ten weeks and the continuous pressure by the opposition to use this mechanism to try to discredit the Government, the decision of the Court will give everyone an opportunity to settle this matter once and for all so that our people and our nation can hopefully heal and move on to address the many issues facing all of us as a nation.

    This is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to show if he still has the support of Parliament and the support of the people of our nation. It is also an opportunity for the Opposition to show if they have the numbers to carry out the Vote of No Confidence to change the Government. From here the public will be able to assess for themselves, if the decision to file the motion is genuine and not just a tactical ploy by the Opposition to create instability to the country.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) helped form this current Government and as a party we are committed to remaining in Government. We are also committed to do whatever we can for national interest and for the interest of the people. As far as we are concerned, as members of the coalition government, there are no reasons to change the Government. The issue is with the Prime Minister and as Government of the day; we are still strong and delivering on all the policies that we have set out as mandated leaders and members of parliament.

    While welcoming the decision of the Supreme Court, I am concerned as to the extent and implications the decision of the Court may have on future governments. As far as I am aware of the law, the decision of the court is actually breaching on the doctrine of separation of powers, which is the foundation of our democracy. When parliament last met, the Vote of No Confidence motion was not a formal agenda of Parliament. If it was submitted, it was still the property of the permanent parliamentary committee of Private Members Bill. It was not on the parliament notice paper. When parliament was adjourned in the last sitting, we adjourned knowing that the notice for the motion of Vote of No Confidence was not a business of parliament yet as it was not on the notice paper. For the Supreme Court to order Parliament to be recalled and meet on a matter still before a parliamentary committee, who have not deliberated on its merits or demerits, and have not made any report to Parliament, clearly shows that the Court has gone beyond its bounds.

    I hope and appeal to both the Opposition Leader and the Speaker not to allow this decision to stand as precedence, as it will serve as a basis for continuous interference by the Court in the legislature in future. It is therefore important, for the sake of future parliaments, that this decision by the Supreme Court is challenged, perhaps at a later date, after parliament has dealt with the business of the motion of Vote of No Confidence this Friday.

    Thank you

    HON POWES PARKOP LLB LLM MP
    Parliamentary leader of Social Democratic Party

  • Vote of No Confidence Defeated

    EMTV – 22/07/2016 Serah Aupong

    The Vote of No Confidence has been defeated with an overwhelming 85 to 21 votes in favour of Peter O’Neill as Prime Minister in today’s special parliament sitting.

    The opposition came into the chamber knowing they didn’t have the numbers to win but used the opportunity to air their frustrations against the Prime Minister.

    At the end of the session, the opposition left disappointed not only at losing the vote but in what they claim as suppression to fully debate the motion.

    The government did what they promised, hold together and defeat the Vote of No Confidence. However before the vote was taken, there was over an hour of heated debate which included pointing of fingers, out of order point of orders and swearing.

    Keeping with the specifics of the court order, the speaker allowed debate before the vote was taken. Sam Basil as sponsor of the motion outlined the opposition’s reasons for the motion which included, the lack of debate of the 2016 budget, implementation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Paraka payment issue, disbanding of taskforce sweep and the LNG revenue.

    Then Kelly Naru, who had declared allegiance to the rule of law during the week of lobbying, outlined legal reasons for siding with O’Neill.

    Following this, Kavieng member Ben Micah talked about telling the truth where he accused members of parliament of not taking into consideration the truth about issues that affect the nation.

    From the government, leader of Government Business and Finance Minister, James Marape, was the only one who spoke formally during the debate.

    He said the motion was “hollow” and was used to cause instability and chaos. He said the government has delivered on 90 per cent of its promises.

    Towards the end of Marape’s speech, the speaker stopped debate and moved to take the vote.

    This did not go down well with the opposition who still had plenty more to say.

    Member for Vanimo Green, Belden Namah, accused the speaker of hijacking the parliament procedure.

    His refusal to sit down, and the ensuring screaming match that followed from both sides of the house. In an attempt to restore order on the floor of parliament, the speaker stood up. According to parliamentary standing orders, when the speaker stands all members are to sit down.

    After reminding the house of that standing order, the parliament quietened down and the vote was taken.

  • BREAKING: O’Neill Survives Vote of No Confidence

    EMTV – 22/07/2016 Scott Waide 1586

    The PNC led coalition of Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, has defeated a long awaited Vote of No Confidence motion, with 85 out of 106 members voting in favour of the government while 21 members of the opposition voted for the removal of the Prime Minister.

    In a highly anticipated session peppered with personal accusations, colourful language and sarcasm delivered by both sides, the debate prior to the vote degenerated into a cacophony of yelling and more accusations.

    Vanimo-Green MP, Belden Namah, expressed annoyance at the speaker saying adequate debate had not been allowed.

    The disorder in the house forced the speaker to rise from his chair, as per parliamentary standing order 49, to call for order.

    Earlier, the debate was opened by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sam Basil. In a series of pointed statements he attacked the Prime Minister over his handling of the economy, LNG revenue and the allegations levelled against him.

    “LNG revenues aren’t reaching our shores. Businesses owed money by government aren’t being paid,” he said.

    In response to the opposition debate, Finance Minister, James Marape, told the house that ongoing attempts for the Vote of No Confidence had affected Papua New Guinea’s international image.

    “Investor confidence has been impacted by headlines on the media and social media,” Marape said.

    Marape’s statements come on the back of a statement by the Prime Minister yesterday, calling for stability in government.

    Government numbers now remain solid with less than 10 months to go until national elections.

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