Since Alotau Accord, the prime minister of Papua New Guinea has
enjoyed unprecedented support from government Members. This is cemented by the allocation of funds and privileges enjoyed by MPs supporting the government.
Check out the analysis on the latest on VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE HERE
Lately, an EMTV report cited that 10 MPs are planning a move
to opposition boosting its numbers from 8 to 18. This is short of the original 25
opposition members. Most of them – 22 altogether – have moved to join the Government when they knew they would not receive their District Service
Improvement Funds if they had remained with the Opposition.
Many thought that these MPs have compromised their ability
to think and act as leaders when they were lured by money. Three men remained standing:
Belden Namah, Sam Basil and Allan Marat. They did not trade their leadership
status and their people for money.
On the other hand, politicians have the right to practise
what they perceived to be in the best interest of their people. Who are we to
judge?
It has been twenty-seven months of smooth sailing for Peter O’Neill when compared to previous governments,
where power struggles and government instability were major issues. But, lots
of things have happened during the O’Neill-Dion rule, both good and bad: loans from
Exim Bank and UBS, Infrastructure developments, completion of PNG LNG project,
sacking of Attorney General and Treasurer, Task Force Sweep Warrant of Arrest
on Peter O’Neill, his latest referral to a Leadership Tribunal and many more.
It is important to note that the prime minister in the 9th
parliament has his work cut out to remain for the full 30 months. The signing of the Alotau
Accord and the extension of the grace period from 18 to 30 months has made it possible.
Unless this period is tested and proven to be illegal by the Courts, Peter O’Neill
will remain prime minister whether one likes it or not.
So, how long can PNC and its coalition partners enjoy the grace
period? Sadly not long. O’Neill-Dion government has only 3 months before a vote of no confidence it called. That means that a motion of vote of no confidence on Peter O’Neill is likely to happen in February or March
next year, 2015.
The government is not concerned at the moment as it is enjoying stability from within PNC and coalition partners. This remains to be seen in just 3 months. Meanwhile, Peter O’Neill may have to
keep his friends close, but his enemies closer.
