Opposition plans to vote in new PM

By JEFFREY ELAPA

A NUMBER of parliamentarians from the government coalition were reportedly in camp with the opposition last night, spiking speculations that a motion to vote in a new prime minister will be tabled when parliament resumes at 2pm today, The National reports.
Although the media was banned from entering the camp, hosted by Moresby Northwest MP Sir Mekere Morauta at his Toaguba Hill residence in downtown Port Moresby, inside sources said a faction from the government coalition, including senior cabinet ministers, were among those in attendance. 
Their attendance had boosted the opposition tally to 55 members, just over half the number required for a quorum and to form government.
The motion, if moved, would rescind the extension of leave of absence for sick Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and to allow parliament to elect a new prime minister.
Sources said by law, an acting prime minister could not be allowed to govern the country for more than three months.
"We have the numbers now and the support is overwhelming," a source said by mobile phone last night.
It was also understood that the government would seek an adjournment of parliament this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the reporter who went to confirm reports of the camp in town at 10 o'clock last night was denied entry by private security guards and police.
The entire car park and streets leading to Sir Mekere's house was filled to capacity with more than 100 cars