The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has ruled that a legal challenge against the rejection of a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister James Marape can proceed to trial.
Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane filed the case after a motion of no confidence, submitted on November 27, 2024, was not placed on Parliament’s notice paper.
The Private Business Committee and acting Speaker Koni Iguan had ruled that the motion too similar to previously rejected one from in September 2024.
Nomane argues that a parliamentary rule, Standing Order 165, used to block the motion is unconstitutional because it limits MPs’ right to introduce such motions.
The Attorney-General objected, claiming the case was about parliamentary procedures, which courts cannot interfere with.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed, ruling that the case raises valid constitutional questions.
The court rejected all objections, including claims that the case lacked clarity or was improperly filed. The trial will now proceed to determine whether the rule is unconstitutional and whether the motion should be debated in Parliament.
The interveners in the case are Speaker of Parliament Job Pomat and Attorney-General Pila Niningi.
