|
By ISAAC NICHOLAS
Parliament meets this morning to elect a Speaker and Prime Minister, and
the numbers seem to favour National Alliance leader Sir Michael Somare.
The other team at Hideaway camp, which launched a court challenge
alleging a breach of the NA constitution and the Organic Law, conceded
it did not have the numbers, but was hoping that in the 15 hours to
voting time, dissatisfied MPs in the NA camp would leave and join them.
Sir Michael and the leaders of 12 parties who signed the Warangoi Accord
in Kokopo last week, presented themselves to the media in Port Moresby
yesterday, with most of them dressed blue shirts.
Sir Michael declared the government was already formed, and accused the
Hideaway group, led by New Ireland governor-elect Sir Julius Chan, of
trying to create confusion and uncertainty by launching the court case.
The case went before Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi for directional hearing
last Friday, and has been adjourned to this Friday.
Sir Michael said the Parliamentary process would continue because the
courts could not interfere with the parliamentary process and the case
was confusing the public.
He said the election of the Speaker would take place, and after the
Speaker was sworn in at Government House, he would return and conduct
the election of the Prime Minister.
Sinasina-Yongomugl MP Jeffery Nape is tipped to be appointed Speaker,
although Sir Michael refused to say who it will be when pressed.
Sir Michael said he would be the candidate for PM, consistent with the
Organic Law and NA’s constitution.
He said those questioning the NA constitution were not financial members
of the constitution.
Party leaders at the press conference included Michael Ogio (PDM), Bob
Dadae (UP), Gabriel Kapris (PAP), Peter O’Neill (PNC), Moses Maladina (RDB),
Joe Mek Teine (NP), Andrew Kumbakor (Pangu), William Duma (URP) and Dame
Carol Kidu (MA).
Luther Wenge (PFP) and Dr Bob Danaya were not present. Enga Governor
Peter Ipatas, who did not sign the Warangoi Accord, was with Sir
Michael.
Meanwhile, Sir Julius claimed his side had 21 MPs late yesterday and
urged more MPs and parties to resign from the NA camp and join his
group.
He told reporters his group’s doors were open to candidates and parties.
He maintained that the NA was leaderless and the party had violated its
own constitution, resulting in his group seeking court orders to declare
Sir Michael ineligible to be prime minister.
“Last Friday, our lawyers attended a directions hearing which was
adjourned by the Chief Justice to this Friday. At this point, we do not
wish to advance the merits of the case publicly but await the outcome of
the court proceedings.
“These issues are matters of public importance and good governance. If
NA has not followed the law, it is a very serious matter,” Sir Julius
said.
“Our group has credible leaders who will provide equal opportunity to
all partners to participate in governing the nation,” Sir Julius said.
 
|
