Parliament has been adjourned as of this morning to next week Tuesday to allow the motion of no confidence go through its constitutional process before debating it, something which Prime Minister James Marape himself gladly accepted. Prime Minister Marape fully welcomed today’s special sitting of Parliament, commending the Speaker and Members of Parliament (MPs) for complying with the Supreme Court’s directive and setting a strong precedent for future leaders of Papua New Guinea (PNG). He acknowledged that today’s sitting was convened under the direction of the Supreme Court and with the leadership of the Speaker, demonstrating respect for the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. “Parliament convened today not by defying the Court, but by upholding it. I commend the Speaker for allowing the sitting to proceed in compliance with the Court’s order. This moment stands as an important reminder that no one – including Members of Parliament – is above the law,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister reflected on the events of 2011, when a previous Parliament failed to honour a Supreme Court ruling that restored the government of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. “We must never repeat the mistakes of 2011. Back then, Members of Parliament took actions that undermined the authority of the Supreme Court and eroded our democratic principles. Laws were passed that, in some instances, made the father of our nation a stranger in his own Parliament. That must never happen again,” he said. Prime Minister Marape stressed that in a country as politically, culturally and economically diverse as Papua New Guinea, leaders must be seen to uphold the law. “The Courts interpret the law. Parliament legislates. Each institution has its place in our democracy, and when the Supreme Court speaks, we must comply. If there are uncertainties, the law provides avenues for appeal and clarification. But we do not defy the Court – we honour it,” he said.