Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court is to deliver a decision next Wednesday on a challenge to a sitting of Parliament last month.
The Supreme Court in Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades
Three weeks ago, the opposition gained a majority, took control of Parliament proceedings, and adjourned the House to this week as they prepared for a vote of no-confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.
But within days the Speaker, Job Pomat, recalled Parliament after ruling that the decision by his deputy to entertain the opposition's adjournment motion was out of order.
The government quickly passed a national budget before promptly adjourning the house until April.
The opposition, which wasn't present, filed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the sitting.
Yesterday, a five man-bench headed by chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika heard arguments from both opposition and government.
A view of the government benches in Papua New Guinea's parliament. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Earlier, Sir Gibbs indicated it was unusual for the judiciary to intervene in Parliamentary proceedings, however, the political standoff over the competing adjournments had become a constitutional crisis.
If next Wednesday's ruling results in Parliament being recalled this month, the opposition may still look to bring a vote of no confidence against Marape.
However, since losing his majority three weeks ago, the prime minister appears to have consolidated his support among MPs, evening up the numbers, although the situation remains fluid.