Papua New Guinea Parliament Photo: EMTV Online / Tamara Pia Agavi
A Supreme Court reference has stalled an attempt by Papua New Guinea's opposition to progress on a vote of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister James Marape.
RNZ Pacific PNG Correspondent Scott Waide says while the parliamentary committee deliberated on the motion at lunchtime on Wednesday, the attorney general headed to the Supreme Court.
Waide said the reference questions whether the motion will strengthen the democratic process or if it is an opportunistic move to take over government.
"It's a usual tactic by governments past to bring forth something like that, especially during the vote of no confidence to the courts to just delay the process of the vote of no confidence," he said.
Tussle within the opposition
There has been a lot of movement on the opposition benches in the last two days.
The opposition leader resigned, and East Sepik governor Alan Bird has been put forward as their candidate for prime minister out of a long list of possibilities.
"There appears to be this tussle within the opposition," Waide said.
He said there is deep dissatisfaction among MPs on the opposition benches.
"Many are saying that a lot of money has been squandered and wasted and paid to contracts allegedly associated with the prime minister," Waide said.
Marape was taken to task by former prime minister Peter O'Neill over the issue.
O'Neill alleges corruption has marred the Connect PNG construction projects, something Marape has denied.
The afternoon session of Wednesday's parliamentary sitting was adjourned following the Supreme Court reference being lodged.
It all kicks off 10am Thursday local time (1pm NZT).