Protest may affect services

By CALDRON LAEPA
PEOPLE in Port Moresby can expect some disruption to services today because of a protest orga­nised by trade unions and civil society organisations.
The PNG Trade Union Congress, University of PNG students, non-governmental organisations and concerned citizens are protesting against the government’s failure to repeal the recently-passed Judicial Conduct Act and the Supreme Court Amended Act. They also wanted an assurance by the government that the June national election would not be deferred.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is expected to meet the protesters at parliament to discuss their grie­vances.
Police had asked the coalition partners to defer the demonstration because they did not give the required five-day notice.
Police commander in NCD and Central Francis Tokura said in a statement police would not allow the protest to go ahead.
He suggested that the coalition look at other avenues such as negotiations.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry had advised its members to take extra precautions when conducting business today.
It said the protest was not a “nationwide strike” as earlier speculated.
The PNG Teachers Association had called on teachers and students to stay at home today as a safety precaution.
Congress general secretary John Paska said they would give the government until 4.06pm today to repeal all “unconstitutional” laws and follow election dates set by the electoral commissioner.
He said if the government failed to meet their demands, they would begin cutting down services.
Present at a meeting yesterday were officials of the Millennium Good Governance NGO group, Energy Workers Union, Air Transport Workers Union, Police Union and other coalition partners.
Paska said O’Neill had promised the nation at the Sir John Guise Stadium two weeks ago that he would repeal the Judicial Conduct Act.
He said straight after addressing the people, the government passed the Supreme Court Amendment Act.
Meanwhile, O’Neill, during a FM 100 talkback show, denied lying to the nation.
He said parliament’s decision to delay the election was only a guide to the Electoral Commission.
The election would go ahead as confirmed by the electoral commissioner.