Marat may not have powers

THE special reference initiated by the O’Neill-Namah government appointed Attorney General Dr Allan Marat should be legally  challenged by lawyers for Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
Legally, Marat may not have locus standi under section 19 (3) of  the Constitution.
Following the Supreme Court decision and orders of Dec12  Marat would be an ordinary MP.
The first issue then for the Supreme Court is to establish the legal  capacity of Marat.
 Is Marat an appropriate authority under  section 19(3) of the Constitution to initiate a Special Court Reference?
The second issue is tenure of the Government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
When was the Somare government legally removed from office?
Legally, after the Dec 12 ruling and orders the government of Sir Michael held a normal term under section 147 of the Constitution.
The third issue flows from the second.
It is on the vacancy in the office of the prime minister.
When was Parliament first informed of a vacancy in the Office of the prime minister after the Supreme Court ruling and orders  Dec 12?
Marat can assist by  discontinuing the special court Reference and bowing out of the Office of  the Attorney General of PNG.

James Wanjik
Port Moresby