Papua New Guinea's opposition has called again for parliament to be recalled to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Papua New Guinea's parliament facade, after the removal of anthropomorphic carved heads from the front lintel. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Its leader says the government's declaration of a state of emergency lacks legal standing.
Belden Namah said the government must be recalled immediately to pass emergency legislation in accordance with the constitution.
The James Marape-led government declared a state of emergency which came into effect on Tuesday.
Emergency measures include a ban on travel from district to district, and province to province.
Also, all schools and non-essential businesses are to shut for 14 days.
But Mr Namah said such an SOE must be approved by parliament passing an Emergency Act to provide a legal basis for the measures.
He accused the government of being unprepared to respond to a health crisis it had months to plan for.
Parliament adjourned at the end of February, to resume on 12 May.
Papua New Guinea MP for Vanimo-Green, Belden Namah. Photo: Alex Smith