Here is a compilation of the events dating back to Hon James Marape's resignation as the Finance Minister. This compilation of events will go down in the history of Papua New Guinea like the 1997 Sandline Crises when Sir Julius Chan was forced to vacate the Prime Minister's seat. This time is Peter O'Neill who was forced to resign after 7.5 years.
CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN WHERE IT IS DUE - THE OPPOSITION. THE COUNTRY HAS NEVER SEEN AN OPPOSITION LIKE THE ONE SITTING OPPOSITE THE PNC GOVT. THIS OPPOSITION WAS THE BEST OPPOSITION THAT KEPT THE O'NEILL-ABEL GOVERNMENT IN CHECK FOR ALMOST 8 YEARS.
Check out the analysis on the latest on VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE HERE
History tells us that the PNC-led coalition snatched power from the NA led government when Sir M. Somare was hospitalised in Singapore and left the country under a cabinet that was called the 'Kitchen Cabinet'.
This time, the main dividing factor was misguided loyalty to Peter O'Neill and lack of trust in his leadership which saw disintegration within that Peoples' National Congress party.
The events leading up to Peter Oneill's resignation are in reverse chronological order. As you read, bear in mind that there were twists and turns. But, all led to a forced resignation.
I'll park the events in order here so that in 30-odd years time, the children can read it and understand how these elected representatives - so called the leaders - behaved when it comes to changing the Prime Minister of the country.
SOURCE: ALL CREDITS TO EMTV NEWS ONLINE
30th May 2019
PNG has a new Prime Minister Hon James Marape Member for Tari-Pori
Vote count result
Hon James Marape - 101
Sir Mekere Morata - 8
Wednesday 29th May 2019
“The Prime Minister has resigned so what it means is that there is now a vacancy in the office of the Prime Minister....this now means the Vote of No Confidence motion is no longer viable.” Political analyst and researcher Dr Joseph Ketan
With a vacancy available after the resignation of Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister, intense lobbying is underway before Wed at 10.00 am.
The Members of the People's Progress Party, People's National Congress Party and Pangu Party met at Crowne Hotel.
⏰Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill has announced that he delivered his letter of resignation at 9.45am to the Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae.
Minutes earlier, the Speaker also told the house, as the first order of business, that the Opposition had also filed a motion for a vote of no confidence.
Mr O’Neill in welcoming the motion said it was an honour to serve as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
“We have had some profound achievements. We have delivered significant developments, particularly in the most remote areas through our DSIP and PSIP.
“We have constructed many teachers colleges and nursing colleges. These are some of the things that we are very proud of.”
But the announcement was not satisfactory for Madang MP, Bryan Kramer, who raised a point of order and asked for proof that Peter O’Neill had indeed resigned.
“While I acknowledge the announcement by the Prime Minister, there is a process in place and the process says that the Prime Minister will deliver his resignation to the Governor General and the Governor General will inform you. I have not heard that from you,” Kramer said to the Speaker.
“I want to know if the Governor General has confirmed the resignation.”
The Speaker then produced an acknowledgement letter from the Governor General’s Office.
“I want to let the house know that I have a letter from the Governor General. I received it at 10.45am. I want to tell this honourable house and the people of Papua New Guinea that the position of the Prime Minister is vacant.
Tuesday 28th May 2019
⏰Parliament Speaker, Job Pomat refuses to entertain Opposition motion, to remove him as Speaker.
⏳Opposition Leader and Aitape- Lumi MP, Patrick Pruaitch has been nominated as a candidate for the alternative Prime Minister ahead of Tari-Pori MP, after a secret ballot.
The results:
Patrick Pruaitch - 37 Votes
James Marape - 28 Votes
This comes ahead of this afternoon's Parliament Sitting.
⏰An urgent Supreme Court application filed by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill seeking legal clarification on the process in relation to the proposed Motion on the Vote of No Confidence has been adjourned to this Friday.
A three-man bench is of the view that the application was not urgent when it was listed for hearing this morning.
⏳Former Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet speaks about the legality of the Supreme Court Application filed by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill describing it as 'abuse of process'.
Sir A. AMET “The suggestion that Prime Minister can appoint a caretaker PM or acting PM is wrong and unconstitutional.
Monday 27th May 2019
⏳Opposition yet to choose the Alternate Prime Minister.
⏰Sir Julius Chan has stated that he is not acting Prime Minister, although honoured to be considered as the Governments alternative when the resignation of the PM takes place.
“The existing Prime Minister has no power to nominate a new Prime Minister of his choice, Peter O’Neill simply designated me the provisional caretaker of the Government Coalition”
Sir A. AMET “The suggestion that Prime Minister can appoint a caretaker PM or acting PM is wrong and unconstitutional.
Monday 27th May 2019
⏳Opposition yet to choose the Alternate Prime Minister.
⏰Sir Julius Chan has stated that he is not acting Prime Minister, although honoured to be considered as the Governments alternative when the resignation of the PM takes place.
“The existing Prime Minister has no power to nominate a new Prime Minister of his choice, Peter O’Neill simply designated me the provisional caretaker of the Government Coalition”
Sunday 26th May 2019
⏰ A planned conference by Sir Julius Chan at 11am this morning at the Ela Beach Hotel in Port Moresby has been moved to the Crowne Hotel where the Prime Minister's PNC led coalition is camped.
Peter O'Neill steps down as Prime Minister. Sir Julius takes over.
⏰Peter O'Neill: "I will be stepping down as Prime Minister. Over the next few days and I will be visiting the Governor General. I want to say that it has not been easy."
#VONC #Handover #Oneill
⏰Peter O'Neill: "I will be stepping down as Prime Minister. Over the next few days and I will be visiting the Governor General. I want to say that it has not been easy."
#VONC #Handover #Oneill
⏳All three Oro MPs in Opposition after Masere joins Laguna camp, official headcount at 63.
⏳ Ijivitari MP, Richard Masere, was welcomed by James Marape. Masere said he made the decision to move on his own will because of continuous calls his people made in the last three weeks.
⏳ Environment and Conservation Minister, John Pundari has joined the Opposition.
Saturday 25th May 2019
Three days before the Vote of No Confidence the PM Peter O'Neill PNC led government has 49 members. The Alternate Government claimed to have 62 MPs.
It is not clear who the new choice for Prime Minister from the Alternate Government, yet.
Surely the number and momentum are on the Opposition/Alternate Government side.
Friday 24th May 2010
⏳The biggest partner in the O'Neill-Abel Government has moved to the Opposition.
William Duma and his United Resources Party made the announcement this afternoon after arriving at the Laguna.
⏳Mori move to alternative government
Commerce and Trade Minister, Wera Mori, has announced his move to Opposition in the latest defection before Parliament sits on Tuesday. Wera Mori is the latest cabinet minister to leave the PNC-led coalition citing his dissatisfaction and lack of confidence in Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
Thursday 23rd May 2019
⏳Pangu Pati members showing support for the Alternate government
Former leaders of PANGU Pati have urged current parliamentary members to stand united in their efforts to change the country’s top political leadership.
Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Rabbie Namaliu made this call when meeting with current PANGU Pati members in Port Moresby today.
⏰Minister for Fisheries and Kabwum MP, Patrick Basa, says he will remain loyal to the current O’Neill- Abel Government.
This is in response to comments made by people from his district, saying the Member needs to make his stance clear.
Tuesday 21st May 2019
Kabwum MP, Patrick Basa, is being urged to return to the district to explain his stance in the upcoming Vote of No Confidence. They say, the people deserve an explanation on what their elected representative will opt to do, come the VONC. His people feel overlooked in spite of the current political climate surrounding the Vote of No Confidence.
Monday 20th May 2019
⏳Opposition withdraws VONC motion and Marape steps down as Opposition's PM nominee.
The Opposition has withdrawn the vote of no confidence motion and in the same news conference, Tari-Pori MP, James Marape, stepped down as the alternative Prime Minister candidate for the opposition.
The Opposition Leader, Patrick Pruaitch, says the decision was reached after a consensus was reached between all factions of the Laguna camp.
“In so far as the vote of no confidence is concerned, we have decided, and I as the mover of the motion, have written to the clerk to withdraw the motion with the concurrence of our prime ministerial nominee, James Marape,” Patrick Pruaitch said.
James Marape also released a separate statement saying his decision to step down was made in consultation with other members of the group.
Sunday 19th May 2019
⏰In a move that has been strongly criticised, PNG’s Attorney General applied for a stay order to stop the looming vote of no confidence motion in Parliament.
The Government says this is because they want to uphold the rule of law and the doctrine of the separation of powers.
On the political front, the interpretation of the move is many from the opposition - its a ploy to delay the vote. From the Government - they're simply upholding the rule of law.
Tonight we take a closer look at the legal intricacies and look at how all this might play out on the 28th when parliament resumes.
Friday 17th May 2019
⏰Attorney General, Alfred Manase, has instructed government lawyers to apply for a stay order on the vote of no confidence motion until all matters relating to the doctrine of the separation of powers are dealt with by the Supreme Court.
The Attorney General stated that the urgent application is not to stop the vote of no confidence but to ensure the rule of law is respected and observed at all time.
“I want to announce to you and the people of Papua New Guinea that yesterday I filled an urgent application in the Supreme Court seeking an order from the court to stay the Parliament from entertaining the Notice of Motion of no confidence until the Supreme Court makes a final determination of a Supreme Court reference my predecessor, Davis Steve, file in the Supreme Court on 3rd of December 2018 (SCR 5 OF 2018)
⏰The Melanesian Alliance Party headed by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Sam Basil, opened their official office today.
The new Melanesian Alliance office was formally used by PANGU Party in the past.
Basil and members of MA were present at today’s opening.
⏰Rigo MP, Lekwa Gure, has officially taken on the responsibilities of the Civil Aviation Ministry from Alfred Manase.
At a formal hand-over-take-over meeting at the Civil Aviation Authority Headquarter in Port Moresby, heads of various regulators and entities provided updates to Minister Gure.
The new Minister is not new to the industry, having been an experienced airline pilot for over 30 years prior to entering politics.
He says his focus will be on strengthening the industry and enforcement to make the industry safer for the travelling public.
Thursday 16th May 2019
⏰New Attorney General, Alfred Manase has directed Government lawyers to apply for a Stay Order on the Vote Of No- Confidence Motion by Parliament.
⏰ Forestry Minister and Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, Douglas Tomuriesa, held a reconciliation ceremony to apologize for briefly siding with Opposition and renouncing his distrust in O'Neill let government.
⏳Member for Tari-Pori, James Marape is urging the Ombudsman Commission to table UBS Loan Report in Parliament, amidst speculation by the public.
Wednesday 15th May 2019
In anticipation to avoid the government playing delay tactic or avoid sitting on the 28th of May 2019, Rabaul MP Dr Alan Marat cautioned the Speaker.
⏳The Rabaul MP, Dr Allan Marat, has cautioned the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat to remain independent and not adjourn Parliament prematurely when the house resumes on the 28th of May.
Dr Marat’s comments come after a media conference by the Parliamentary Clerk’s office in which it was stated the vote of no confidence will not happen this month if parliament doesn’t sit for a full week.
Tuesday 14th May 2019
⏰Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill says, his coalition still has the numbers heading into the next Parliament sitting on the 28th of May 2019.
He made these remarks at Government House during the announcement of new members joining his cabinet.
⏳Sir Puka Temu, former Health Minister and Member For Abau, resigned from the People's National Congress Party and has returned to the "Our Development Party." He feels the people of the Central Province should have benefited more under the Government.
Monday 13th May 2019
⏰Major reshuffling of PNC government ministerial portfolios.
- Yangoru-Sausia MP, Richard Maru is now the Minister for Finance and Rural Development.
- Sam Basil, has been moved from the Finance Ministry to National Planning.
- Elias Kapavore has been moved from Public Service to the Health Department to fill in the vacancy left by Abau’s Sir Puka Temu.
- Replacing Kapavore is Dei MP
- Wesley Nukunj who has been given charge of the Public Service Ministry.
- Sumkar MP, Chris Nangoi, is now Transport Minister
- Kundiawa-Gembogl MP, William Onglo has been given the Defence Ministry.
- Former Air Niugini Pilot, Rigo MP, Lekwa Gure, is now the Civil Aviation Minister.
- Lagaip-Pogera MP, Tomait Kapili, has been appointed Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Bougainville Affairs.
Friday 10th May 2019
⏳James Marape and other members of parliament who defected from the People’s National Congress have accepted an invitation to join Pangu Pati. One week ago, Pangu was effective without a Party without a Parliamentary wing after 15 MPs resigned.
Thursday 9th May 2019
⏰Chaos in Pangu Pati as members split up. Morobe governor new Pangu Pati leader. Sam Basil joined Melanesian Alliance and remained with PNC government.
Tuesday 7th of May 2019
Parliament met for 2 hours. The tabling of Motion of Vote of No Confidence in PNC Gov't leadership.
⏰PM Peter O'Neill said after the Motion of VoNC “The government is well and truly solid, intact and we are ready to work. As you can see with the partners led by all our coalition leaders, Sir Julius, Peter Yama, Minister Duma, Minister Basil and former Prime Minister Paias Wingti. We have shown courage to support a government that is working for the people of this country.
⏳The Opposition’s nominee for Prime Minister, Tari-Pori MP, James Marape, was also furious at the manner in which the speaker ruled against an early resumption of Parliament.
James Marape also told the media that the government removed opposition MPs who were on a Parliamentary Private Members committee that decides on the validity of votes of no confidence motions.
Parliament extended for 1 week and resumed on the 14th May for the actual VoNC to take place. Later, the parliament privilege committee extended the voting session for 21 days - VoNC session to take place on the 28th May 2019 (THIS DID NOT HAPPEN)
Monday 6th May 2019
- Laguna Camp named Hon. James Marape as Alternative PM.
- Nine former Pangu Pati members, led by Bulolo MP, Sam Basil have joined the Melanesian Alliance Party.
- Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa Member for Kiriwina Goodenough returns to Crown after spending time at Laguna.
- East New Britain Governor Nakikus Konga rejoins his party in the PNC led coalition despite turning up at Laguna camp this morning.
- Enga Governor, Peter Ipatas, joins Laguna camp.
- Parliament Speaker Hon. Job Pomat just arrived in Crown Plaza camp.
Sunday 5th May 2019
- All 5 Sandaun Province MPs including the Governor, Tony Wouwou, are now at the Laguna camp. They are Belden Namah (Vanimo-Green), Joe Sungi (Nuku), Patrick Pruaitch (Aitape-Lumi) Solan Mirisim (Telefomin).
Saturday 4th May 2019
- Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel in the company of a lone Milne Bay governor (and after 5 hours delay) announced his continued support for Peter O’Neill.
- Laguna camp announced 57 MPs in camp and planned to review all agreements concluded recently by the O'Neill-Abel Government.
Friday, 3rd May 2019
- Douglas Tomuriesa, Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, urges more Papuan MPs to join their cause.
- Member for Telefomin, Solan Mirisim, pushing for young leaders to make a stand.
- Dr Puka Temu, Member for Abau Open, joins the growing list of MPs dissatisfied with the Prime Minister.
Sir Puka Temu said they have made a decision to move because of internal disagreements over how the country is being managed.
- All 15 Pangu MPs have resigned. 7 MPs have joined the 'Laguna' camp which now claims to have 51 members in total. It is unclear, what the Basil led faction is planning to do at this stage.
Thursday 2nd May 2019
- The People's National Congress says the party has resolved "to back" Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister in the coming vote of no confidence. The party posted photos on its Facebook page claiming 38 members are intact. The caucus meeting initially planned for 6 May was moved to 1 May to counter moves by the opposition and defecting MPs.
More updates to come.
Monday 29th April 2019
- Tari Pori MP, James Marape, has announced that he is officially leaving the People’s National Congress citing lack of confidence in PNC party leader and PM O'Neill.
- Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin and Okapa MP, Saki Soloma have also announced their formal exit from The People's National Congress Party.
Sunday 28th April 2019
- Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has arrived back in the country from China
Friday 26th April 2019
- Governors Sir Peter Ipatas (ENGA), William Powi (SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS) and Phillip Undialu (HELA) resign from PNC
Friday 11th April 2019
Hon James Marape decided to resign as the Finance Minister.
Parliament extended for 1 week and resumed on the 14th May for the actual VoNC to take place. Later, the parliament privilege committee extended the voting session for 21 days - VoNC session to take place on the 28th May 2019 (THIS DID NOT HAPPEN)
Monday 6th May 2019
- Laguna Camp named Hon. James Marape as Alternative PM.
- Nine former Pangu Pati members, led by Bulolo MP, Sam Basil have joined the Melanesian Alliance Party.
- Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa Member for Kiriwina Goodenough returns to Crown after spending time at Laguna.
- East New Britain Governor Nakikus Konga rejoins his party in the PNC led coalition despite turning up at Laguna camp this morning.
- Enga Governor, Peter Ipatas, joins Laguna camp.
- Parliament Speaker Hon. Job Pomat just arrived in Crown Plaza camp.
Sunday 5th May 2019
- All 5 Sandaun Province MPs including the Governor, Tony Wouwou, are now at the Laguna camp. They are Belden Namah (Vanimo-Green), Joe Sungi (Nuku), Patrick Pruaitch (Aitape-Lumi) Solan Mirisim (Telefomin).
Saturday 4th May 2019
- Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel in the company of a lone Milne Bay governor (and after 5 hours delay) announced his continued support for Peter O’Neill.
- Laguna camp announced 57 MPs in camp and planned to review all agreements concluded recently by the O'Neill-Abel Government.
Friday, 3rd May 2019
- Douglas Tomuriesa, Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, urges more Papuan MPs to join their cause.
- Member for Telefomin, Solan Mirisim, pushing for young leaders to make a stand.
- Dr Puka Temu, Member for Abau Open, joins the growing list of MPs dissatisfied with the Prime Minister.
Sir Puka Temu said they have made a decision to move because of internal disagreements over how the country is being managed.
- All 15 Pangu MPs have resigned. 7 MPs have joined the 'Laguna' camp which now claims to have 51 members in total. It is unclear, what the Basil led faction is planning to do at this stage.
Thursday 2nd May 2019
- The People's National Congress says the party has resolved "to back" Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister in the coming vote of no confidence. The party posted photos on its Facebook page claiming 38 members are intact. The caucus meeting initially planned for 6 May was moved to 1 May to counter moves by the opposition and defecting MPs.
More updates to come.
Monday 29th April 2019
- Tari Pori MP, James Marape, has announced that he is officially leaving the People’s National Congress citing lack of confidence in PNC party leader and PM O'Neill.
- Manus Governor, Charlie Benjamin and Okapa MP, Saki Soloma have also announced their formal exit from The People's National Congress Party.
Sunday 28th April 2019
- Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has arrived back in the country from China
Friday 26th April 2019
- Governors Sir Peter Ipatas (ENGA), William Powi (SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS) and Phillip Undialu (HELA) resign from PNC
Friday 11th April 2019
Hon James Marape decided to resign as the Finance Minister.
