Prime Minister (PM) James Marape remains steadfast in remaining in power even though there could be a new prime minister by next week now that the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion is in play. In a press conference held right after parliament set yesterday, Marape said he has the strong support of his coalition party members from United Resource Party, Social Democratic Party, People’s First Party and the National Alliance Party, boasting a Pangu Pati led coalition government strength of 77 members. The prime minister and Pangu Pati leader said he accepts the VONC motion, which was approved by Private Members Committee on Wednesday and placed on the notice paper, saying he will face the vote next week to test the numbers on the floor of parliament. “If the government maintains absolute number, this is above 58 members, then government is still in office. If the number is lost, then there will be a new government,” explained Prime Minister Marape. Prime Minister Marape also welcomed Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as the Opposition’s nominee for the role of Prime Minister in the upcoming VONC scheduled for Thursday, September 12th. “I offer my congratulations on Paita becoming the Opposition’s nominee and appreciate the Opposition for getting the forms filled correctly as required by Section 145 of our Constitution and Section 130 of the Standing Orders.” “Tomorrow morning (today), the name will be placed on Parliament notice and by operation of law, Parliament will adjourn to next Thursday when the motion is voted upon. Meantime, the prime minister is urging the people to remain calm and peaceful and allow the parliamentary leaders to carry out their constitutional duties. He also reminded the people that Pope Francis will be arriving in country tomorrow, Friday 6th September for his three days visit to Papua New Guinea. He said it's a time for people to also reflect on our lives and come to God. He also said with the Pope’s visit, it is a time to take a break from all the politics for a while and focus on love, peace and unity, especially with the 49th Independence coming up.