The Opposition may have been unsuccessful in their Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) motion against Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Thursday 12th September, but that does not mean it’s over for them.
In fact, the Opposition is eyeing November 26th, when Parliament resumes, to bring about another VoNC against the PM.
Leader of the Opposition, Douglas Tomuriesa, declared that they will continue to pursue the Vote of No Confidence until it is done correctly, even though they lost fair and square yesterday.
“I thank the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG), our family members, friends and supporters,” said the Opposition leaders when appreciating their support.
“We will push through with the VoNC until we get it correct. And so, we got that corrected and the much-anticipated progress as come through and we have successfully brought a vote of NO Confidence on the floor of parliament.”
“The result maybe disappointing for a lot of us but we can say that we are encouraged to see that whole Opposition was intact and voted for the VoNC.”
He said that despite their defeat, they are still encouraged and ask the people of PNG to hold onto hope because there is still hope for them. For the following round, they will reorganize and fortify their positions.
“Today (Thursday 12th September) as demonstrated that when the PM came in after the elections, he was voted in by 104 members of parliament, and today he has lost one-third of that number. He only mastered 75 votes and that gives us the encouragement that we are doing the right thing.”
He stated that the rationale behind the introduction of the Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) is the multitude of challenges the country is currently facing.
He underscored this point through the parliamentary speaker, urging the Prime Minister to cease the dissemination of falsehoods.
The head of the Opposition then went on to ask why the Prime Minister called off the Parliament until November when there are so many crucial issues that need to be addressed for the country.
Despite adjourning parliament, he stated that they have accepted their defeat and will reorganize to return stronger.
He also declared that the Opposition stands strong with a total number of 34 members, two of whom were ill and unable to vote, bringing the deference to 32 votes in parliament yesterday for the VoNC.
Meantime PM Marape, following him surviving the VoNC on Thursday, and supported by his coalition, said political disruptions hinder national progress.
He said his government will continue its efforts in economic recovery, boosting police manpower, and infrastructure development.
He also expressed gratitude for coalition partners and the democratic process, affirming his administration’s commitment to national security and unity ahead of the country’s 49th Independence Anniversary.