Court ruling could oust PNG leader Michael Somare

ROWAN CALLICK

PAPUA New Guinea's Supreme Court has made a decision that could shake Prime Minister Michael Somare from power.

Under Chief Justice Salamo Injia, the five-man bench ruled yesterday that the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties breaches constitutional freedoms.

This releases the 109 MPs to shift their loyalties as they want, opening the path to a rapid vote of no confidence in the government, as the country swirls in controversies over corruption, crime, and resource development.

Somare, 74, who has been in parliament for 42 years, was elected Prime Minister after the last national election, in 2007, by 86 MPs.

His own National Alliance Party won 27 seats, and established a coalition with six smaller parties. The only other grouping to reach double figures was that of independents.

The OLIPPAC was enacted by the government led by Mekere Morauta, now opposition leader, to prevent MPs seeking rewards for their votes, and to stabilise PNG's unpredictable politics.

The law essentially ensures MPs stay with the party in which they are elected, during the five-year parliamentary term.

The law has, however, meant that it is virtually impossible to dislodge a government once it has formed a coalition enabling it to rule.

Now, there is nothing to stop Somare's former supporters - including those frustrated at their failure to win rewarding ministries - from switching their allegiance to the opposition.

Ironically, the ruling presents Morauta with a chance to return to power. But other candidates will be queuing for the top job, including Don Polye, leader of the largest regional grouping in parliament, from the highlands.

Click this link to see the copy of the Ruling

Comments

  1. Somare being toppled from being PM would make Callick have premature ejaculation...he wouldnt know where he was...all hos christmases and his birthdays wishes all come true...well if he wets himself, what about the people from Canberra he wines and dines...and the ocassional glass of ale or red with his old friends from PNG that now linger forlorn in the Opposition Benches!!! singing out between gulps...onya mate!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Latest News, Sir Mekere has just signed MOU with NA to move over with 9 Opposition MPs. Deal was done at 10.30pm tonite.

    ReplyDelete
  3. C'mon you can't be serious!

    ReplyDelete

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