PNG's top job up for grabs again

AAP - PETER O'Neill said he will stand again for Papua New Guinea's prime ministership today after the deputy speaker unexpectedly threw the position open.

As Deputy Speaker Francis Marus opened yesterday's special sitting of the PNG Parliament he said the Supreme Court had declared Sir Michael Somare the legitimate prime minister.

But he said Sir Michael, who was ousted as leader last August, could not serve in the position because he had been disqualified from Parliament for missing three consecutive sittings.

Mr O'Neill challenged Sir Michael's supporters, many of whom have boycotted Parliament, to turn up today and compete for the top job.
''Parliament has decided in its wisdom that we will recognise the court's decision … and I acknowledge there is a vacancy in the office of prime minister,'' he said. ''I urge the Somare faction: let us end this once and for all. I urge him, take his faction to Parliament so they can also have an opportunity to nominate a candidate.''
Mr O'Neill's deputy, Belden Namah, said the government would nominate Mr O'Neill.
''Tomorrow will be fair game, fair play, like on the rugby field,'' he said.
''We shall put all questions on the prime ministership to rest. I will nominate Peter O'Neill to be the prime minister of this country.''
The timing of yesterday's decision was surprising. Only last week MPs voted to disregard a Supreme Court decision to reinstate Sir Michael as PM.
A spokesman for Mr O'Neill had said on Monday that Parliament was convening to pass legislation defining the boundaries of last week's vote for a state of emergency in three provinces. Mr O'Neill was not in Parliament when Mr Marus read his statement.
But Mr Namah called a caucus meeting in Parliament's stateroom and was heard saying he would seek legal advice.
A clearly surprised Mr O'Neill rushed to join the meeting and was seen through glass doors addressing MPs along with Mr Namah.
Sir Michael's son, suspended MP Arthur Somare, said he did not expect his father's supporters to show up today.

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