Before leaving the country on Sunday, August 25th, to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Summit in Tonga, Prime Minister James Marape called on the Opposition to ensure they correctly follow the process this time for their planned vote of no confidence against his government.
“We welcome the challenge by the Opposition. Our Constitution provides for a vote of no confidence, and the Opposition is welcome to move one.”
“The Prime Ministership is not my birthright,” Prime Minister Marape said in a brief media conference before leaving Port Moresby.
He said his government has worked hard these past five challenging years, which include going through the COVID-19 pandemic period.
He pointed out that despite the difficulties, his administration has worked hard to maintain stability, progress in the country, and managing the economy.
“I am also yet to see credible policies by the alternate government. Pangu … have so many reforms going on with the good policies of my government. I challenge the alternate government to come up with better policies.”
“We have managed the economy over the last five tough years, and everyone knows our record,” he said.
He further reminded all Members of Parliament (MPs) of their duty to carefully assess the leadership abilities of potential alternate prime ministers when the vote of no confidence is tabled.
“Parliament is sitting for two weeks, so I urge the Opposition to fill in the vote of no confidence form properly this time,” Marape said, pointing out that this is why the Parliamentary Business Committee (PBC) had rejected their VONC attempts five times due to errors.
“The PBC sits on Wednesdays, so fill in the form properly before 4:06 pm on Tuesday, September 3. On Thursday, it goes on notice, and we come back the following Thursday and deal with it,” Marape explained.
“Section 145 provides for the Opposition to move a vote of no confidence; however, I urge them to get it right this time and not repeat the mistake of not properly filling out the vote of no confidence form as they have done five times already.”
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of getting the form right by September 3, 2024, especially given the upcoming national events, which include the Pope’s visit on September 6, the Independence celebrations on September 16 , and also the parliamentary tribute to the late Central Bougainville MP, Simon Dumarinu, on September 3.
He said these are significant events that need to be given proper attention.
“If you want to change a mandated government, do it properly, not making mistakes like little school boys.”