FOLLOWING the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Section 18 Constitutional Reference case, the Leader of the Opposition has thanked the judicial system for amicably resolving the case on behalf of the 33 leaders in the Opposition.
Leader of the Opposition Hon Douglas Tomuriesa welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing their respect for the judicial process.
He said despite the outcome not being in their favor, the Opposition respects the Supreme Court’s decision and remains committed to their advocacy for change in government.
The five-member bench of the Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the standing orders of parliament concerning a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister are non-justiciable. This means the court has no jurisdiction to deliberate on such matters as they are not prescribed for in the Constitution.
“Although the court did not dispute nor qualify the actions of the Private Business Committee (PBC), their conduct remains questionable in our view,” he said.
He added that the PBC has repeatedly overstepped its authority by disqualifying motions of no confidence for trivial reasons, using delay tactics to disrupt the vote.
Tomuriesa said they have faced numerous setbacks in their attempts to file a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Hon James Marape.
However, Hon Tomuriesa said the proceedings’ conclusion opens the door for the next possible vote of no confidence when parliament resumes on September 3, 2024.
He said the Opposition remains committed to this course of action and urged the Prime Minister to allow the motion to be placed on the notice paper and to confront them in a fair contest.
“My message to the Prime Minister is this: If you are not afraid of a vote of no confidence like you say you are, then don’t meddle in the affairs of the PBC. Let it be placed on the notice paper, and beat us fair and square with your numbers,” Tomuriesa stated.
He expressed concern about the country’s current state, stressing that prolonged governance by the current administration worsens the suffering of the people. Tomuriesa thanked the citizens of Papua New Guinea for their continued support and trust, reaffirming the Opposition’s commitment to bringing about positive change.
