A VOTE of no-confidence in Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare is imminent, Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya warned last night, The National reports.
But timing is crucial, as anyone wanting to remove the prime minister has only six months, between now and Dec 31, to do so. The Constitution does not allow any vote of no-confidence in a prime minister 18 months before the next general elections.
PNG will go to the polls in a general election in July or August 2012.
“The game is on now. The opposition will move a vote of no-confidence, but I do not know what strategy they will use,” Danaya said.
A legal source told The National anyone wanting to move a vote must give seven days notice first when Parliament is sitting. At present, there is no notice of a vote of no-confidence before Parliament, so one would have to be introduced on July 20 when Parliament next sits, or in November when it sits for the budget.
“Time may be on their (government) side.
“There is only six months, and they could juggle the number of sitting days remaining to suit themselves. That will happen unless factions within government block it,” the legal source said.
Just 24 hours after the Supreme Court struck down provisions of the Integrity Law (OLIPPAC), talks were swirling in Waigani of secret meetings by different factions within the government, and the ruling National Alliance party, but no one was coming out to confirm or deny anything.
A number of party leaders contacted by The National refused to comment
publicly on how they see the decision of the top court, its implications
and what they might do.
But leader of the Melanesian Liberal Party Dr Allan Marat, who was recently sacked as attorney-general, was forthright about his view of the government.
He said if there was a move to change the government, he would fully support those who make such a move.
“I will support the change of government because I have seen the current government’s trend towards dictatorship; the greed of leaders and, when I spoke openly about it, I got kicked out as you all know.
“I was, then, speaking about leadership; the OLIPPAC provisions that have been found to be ‘unconstitutional’ were encouraging the ‘stability in government that saw the end in itself’.
“The deliverance of transparency and good governance were not there. I spoke up against it, and I was sacked.
“So, I will support the move for changes in government.”
Marat’s MLP is a coalition partner in the current government. Under OLIPPAC, he would not have voted against the prime minister he helped put in after the elections.
But, that has changed now with the court decision on Wednesday.
MPs are no longer bound by their party resolutions, and parties are no longer bound by their votes after the general election.
Southern Highlands Governor
“Now is the time to demonstrate real leadership. Now is the time to take stock of who had turned up for work and who has been sleeping.
“If ministers have not been performing, they must go. Quality leaders sitting in the backbench of government, and in the opposition, should be given an opportunity if they put their hand up,” Agiru said.
He said the highlands region had been given a raw deal in the past, and the government must now shift its focus and resources to important infrastructure like the
Works, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Don Polye, who is deputy leader of NA, said stability had brought investment and opportunities to the country never seen before, and must continue.
“We respect the decision of the court.
“OLIPPAC is out but, as leaders, we should not lean too much on the law to provide a stable environment for growth.
“As leaders, we should provide this in the way we behave and conduct ourselves. If we serve our constituents with honesty, stability will prevail without the need for such laws.”
Polye has 11 men in his highlands faction of NA, giving him pole position to take over leadership of the party when Sir Michael steps down.
The prime minister has kept the cards up his sleeve, and could play them now to beat any vote.
Parliament recently gave him approval to increase Cabinet from 28 to 32. He could play that to appease resentments.
He could also give away “economic” portfolios perceived to be concentrated in one region.
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