A call to Prime Minister James Marape to step down from his role was made by the student body from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in an Open Forum Discussion that was held at the Waigani Campus, Port Moresby city. This forum organized by the Student Representative Council (SRC) gave student representatives a voice to raise their concerns regarding the current national issues that the country is facing. Provincial student representatives who represented the four regions in the country, spoke on pressing issues including the recent laws that were passed in parliament. SRC President, Clinton Maliaba, opened the forum urging all student representatives to speak using facts based on what they have researched as the SRC will take further actions based on the outcome. The key issues that were highlighted in Thursday's forum include the amendment act to section 145 of the constitution as well as the National Executive Act amendment and the Counter-Terrorism Act. UPNG East and West Sepik Student Union representative, Ephraim Kliwolo highlighted the Amendment to Section 145 of the Constitution, gives an 18-month grace period after a Vote of No Confidence motion has been moved against the sitting Prime Minister and proven unsuccessful. He stated that this is a dangerous and unconstitutional move that allows for the perpetuation of power, not for the good of the people, but for the personal gain of those in power. “This amendment is not just a threat to democracy; it is an outright attack on the sovereignty of the people. It is a clear indication that the Prime Minister and his government are willing to manipulate the laws to retain their grip on power. This is not the leadership we want, and we will not tolerate it.” Meanwhile, another issue he raised was on the National Executive Council (NEC) Act, particularly Section 8(4), which gives the NEC unchecked power to discuss national matters in secret and make decisions that cannot be challenged by the courts. “This is an undemocratic and authoritarian move that undermines the people's right to know and to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.” “The people of Papua New Guinea deserve transparency, they deserve to have their voices heard, and they deserve a government that acts in their best interests, not in the interests of a select few. This Act must be amended now!” It is a problem due to the fact that whatever decisions the National Executive Council makes cannot be challenged in court as it is already a law. Also speaking at the forum was the President of the UPNG East New Britain Student Association, Margaret Simet who spoke on the Counter-Terrorism Act as one of the key issues highlighted in the forum. She said while the act claims to fight terrorism, the unclear definition of terrorism can lead to the suppression of free speech. “The law defines terrorism as influencing government actions and so if people criticize the government, then you and I could be labeled as terrorists.” “Restricting freedom of speech will never be an effective way to fight terrorism and we recommend that we be given a clear interpretation of the word terrorism and to specify the meaning.” “We also recommend that courts approval is needed to approve such actions such as shutting down certain social media platforms such as Facebook.”