Amidst much confusion and misinformation surrounding Papua New Guinea’s parliamentary Vote of No-Confidence (VONC) process, Patrick Kaiku, a political science lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), seeks to clarify the intricacies of this constitutional mechanism.
Kaiku emphasizes that the VONC is a two-week process designed to either fortify or alter the governing executive, serving as a critical tool within the democratic framework.
Expressing concern, he highlights alleged attempts by the current government to mislead the public.
He says the government has been claiming ulterior motives among power-hungry MPs, particularly those in the Opposition, seeking to seize control, but reiterated that the VONC is a democratic process that any governing executive must endure after the allowed grace period after being invited to form a government following a National General Election.
Kaiku’s scrutiny extends to the revelation by Prime Minister James Marape of discrepancies in the second notice for a VONC motion, including alleged forged signatures, which were not disclosed to the Opposition by the parliament’s Private Business Committee (PBC).
This raises doubts about the impartiality of the PBC and calls into question the Speaker of Parliament’s neutrality, as the Speaker chairs this committee as per legal stipulations.
Mr. Kaiku reiterated that the VONC is a democratic process of the Westminster Parliamentary System PNG uses.
Kaiku’s scrutiny extends to the revelation by Prime Minister James Marape of discrepancies in the second notice for a VONC motion, including alleged forged signatures, which were not disclosed to the Opposition by the parliament’s Private Business Committee (PBC).
This raises doubts about the impartiality of the PBC and calls into question the Speaker of Parliament’s neutrality, as the Speaker chairs this committee as per legal stipulations.
Additionally, Kaiku points out procedural inefficiencies in parliament, noting that the PBC convenes only once a week, thereby prolonging the VONC process unnecessarily.
Moreover, Kaiku underscores that while the VONC is commonly associated with challenging the Prime Minister, it is important to recognize that the relevant legislation permits its application against any Minister in the government.
His insights were shared during an information-sharing briefing for PNG journalists, organized by ABC’s Media Development Initiative, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of PNG’s political landscape and parliamentary procedures among the media fraternity.
In terms of legislation, the PNG Constitution outlines the procedures for a VONC.
Section 145 of the Constitution permits a motion of no-confidence to be brought against the Prime Minister or any Minister, requiring at least one-seventh of the Members of Parliament to support the motion in writing.
Once submitted, the motion triggers a two-week period during which Parliament must deliberate and vote on the motion, and if successful, the Prime Minister or Minister must resign, leading to the formation of a new government or the appointment of a new Minister.
According to Mr. Kaiku, PNG’s parliamentary history has seen seven Votes of No-Confidence (VONC), with the initial three proceeding smoothly while the subsequent four were marked by notable controversy, reflecting Parliament’s evolving sophistication amidst ongoing legislative amendments and legal disputes.
The first instance occurred in 1980, leading to the replacement of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare by Sir Julius Chan, followed by transitions in 1985 and 1988 involving Sir Michael and Paias Wingti, respectively.
The last successful VONC was in 2019, when Prime Minister Peter O’Neill resigned amid a mass defection from the PNC Party, resulting in James Marape assuming office.
While recent VONC attempts by the Opposition have yet to be addressed in Parliament, they may be considered when the legislature reconvenes in May.