Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has urged the public to be patient as the Supreme Court deliberates on the Opposition’s Vote of No Confidence (VONC) case.
Today the Opposition had hoped to move straight onto the substantive arguments of its application, but the Attorney-General raised an amended objection to competency to the case.
The Attorney General has questioned the court’s jurisdiction over parliamentary procedures, while the Opposition argues that the case should move forward, as this objection is an abuse of court process.
The five-men Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, has reserved its decision on the Attorney General’s objection to the Opposition’s Vote of No Confidence (VONC) case.
Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika acknowledged the urgency of the situation and promised a swift ruling.
Outside the courthouse, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa addressed the media and the public, urging patience.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the judiciary,
“We also know that the Chief Justice made it very clear that due to the urgency of the case, they tried their best to fast-track the decision.”
Tomuriesa acknowledged the delays but emphasized respect for the court’s process.
“We will respect the court’s decision and wait patiently for them to make the decision.”
Tomuriesa stressed the importance of proceeding to the substantive matter, highlighting the anticipation of the media, public, and people of Papua New Guinea.
“We are here to support the case. We are here to stand with our lawyers to make certain that we shift from the competency hearings and get to the substantive matter.”
He called for patience from the public, expressing confidence in the judicial process.
“We are confident that we will get there. And so, we are calling upon all the people of Papua New Guinea to be patient. Be patient. Allow the judiciary, allow the courts to make that decision.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of respecting the law and the courts, asserting that proper decisions would ultimately satisfy all parties involved.
“People must learn to respect the laws. And when we respect the courts, proper decisions will be made that will satisfy both the opposing team and our team.”
A decision date for the court’s ruling will be announced soon.