Student council strikes out president

 THE University of PNG students’ referendum failed to attract adequate numbers but its representative council passed a vote of no-confidence on its president Bobby Yupi.

Yupi, who read out the failed referendum details, said students were expected to resume normal classes today and that he would respect the decision of the council against him.

A fight broke out last week as students waited for the result of the referendum that asked students whether to go on strike. 

The referendum was in connection with recent political developments and some students wanting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to step down.

Of the 5000 students, 1946 voted  with 1242 in favour of a strike. However, the students’ council constitution required a two-thirds majority.

Yupi, who read out the letter in front of students, security guards and student council members, commended the council for securing the academic interest of the students.

Meanwhile, another letter written by the students’ representative council to the its secretary revealed that members had unanimously moved a motion of no confidence against Yupi.