Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday, August 5th, to dismiss a vote-of-no-confidence case filed by the Opposition.
The Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika along with three other judges, upheld Attorney-General Pila Niningi’s objection to the competency of the case.
The majority decision of five-man panel of judges, concluded that this court could not intervene in the Parliament’s proceedings of May based on the pleadings of the Opposition’s case.
“I welcome the Supreme Court decision. Laws of our country cannot be hijacked or coerced or influenced in any forum, including National Parliament,” expressed Marape.
He emphasized that the court’s ruling clearly defines the separation of powers between Parliament and the Judiciary, citing Section 134 of the Constitution, which prevents Parliament matters from being brought to court.
The Prime Minister noted that the Opposition’s case questioned the conduct of Parliament and the Private Business Committee, but the Supreme Court found no constitutional breach by Speaker Job Pomat.
“If they were man enough, they would have remained in their seats and used their numbers to defeat my Dissent.”
He reassured the public that the vote-of-no-confidence remains a constitutional right until 2026.
“My government is not fearful of this vote-of-no-confidence and will continue to deliver services to you.”
Marape urged the Opposition to focus on presenting better policies rather than pursuing court cases.
“I ask the Opposition to be responsible leaders and not create unnecessary tensions in the public space.”
The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomureisa has said the Opposition will pursue another VONC motion when Parliament reconvenes in September and has urged the Prime Minister not to ‘meddle’ with the PBC.