Record shows PM voted out, replaced three times

By REBECCA KUKU
THE first ever successful vote of no-confidence motion passed in the PNG Parliament was in 1980 against prime minister Sir Michael Somare.
Records show that since Independence in 1975, the country has had three successful motions to change the prime minister.
The motion brought before the House usually reads: “That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty’s Government”. It is then debated before a voted is taken.
If the majority of MPs vote in favour of the motion, the government is dissolved.
In 1980, the vote of no-confidence motion was moved by Iambakey Okuk, who named Sir Julius Chan as the alternative prime minister.
Sir Julius defeated Sir Michael 57 votes to 49 and became the Prime Minister.
In 1988, prime minister Paias Wingti was replaced by Kokopo MP Sir Rabbie Namaliu by 58 votes to 50.
In 1999, prime minister Sir Bill Skate resigned before a motion was to be moved in Parliament against his government.
In 2011, Peter O’Neill became prime minister after a vote of no confidence was successful against acting prime minister Sam Abal.
He was standing in for Sir Michael who was overseas for medical treatment.
In 2016, a no-confidence motion moved against O’Neill was overwhelmingly defeated.
If a prime minister loses the no- confidence vote, his or her entire government must also resign.
To oust O’Neill in the current Government, at least 56 MPs must support any vote of no confidence against him.
Currently, the Opposition has 24 MPs and will need at least an additional 32.