PNG PM's office declared vacant

29 May 2012, 6:12 pm   -   Source: AAP

Peter O'Neill has challenged supporters of Sir Michael Somare to face off for PNG's leadership to end the dispute once and for all.

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Peter O'Neill has vowed to stand again for Papua New Guinea's prime ministership on Wednesday after the deputy speaker unexpectedly threw the position open.

Deputy Speaker Francis Marus opened Tuesday's special sitting of parliament saying the Supreme Court had declared Sir Michael Somare was the legitimate prime minister.

But he said Sir Michael, who was ousted as leader last August, couldn't serve in the position because he had been disqualified from parliament for missing three consecutive sittings.

Mr O'Neill challenged Sir Michael's supporters, many of whom have boycotted parliament, to turn up in numbers on Wednesday and compete for the top job.

"Parliament has decided in its wisdom that we will recognise the court's decision today, and I acknowledge there is a vacancy in the office of prime minister," Mr O'Neill told reporters.

"I urge the Somare faction: let us end this once and for all.

"I urge him, take his faction to parliament so they can also have an opportunity to nominate a candidate."

Mr O'Neill's deputy, Belden Namah, said the government would nominate Mr O'Neill.

"Tomorrow will be fair game, fair play, like on the rugby field," he said.

"We shall put all questions on the prime ministership to rest.

"I will nominate Peter O'Neill to be the prime minister of this country," he said.

The timing of Tuesday's decision was surprising.

Only last week MPs voted to disregard a controversial Supreme Court decision to reinstate Sir Michael as PM.

A spokesman for Mr O'Neill had told AAP on Monday that parliament was convening to pass legislation defining the boundaries of last week's vote for a state of emergency in three provinces.

Mr O'Neill was not in parliament when Mr Marus read his statement.

But Mr Namah called a caucus meeting in parliament's stateroom and was overheard saying he'd seek legal advice.

A clearly surprised Mr O'Neill rushed to join the meeting and was seen through glass doors addressing MPs along with Mr Namah and treasurer Don Polye.

Sir Michael's son, suspended MP Arthur Somare, told AAP he did not expect his father's supporters to show up in parliament on Wednesday.

"I challenge them to go to the damn election and get the people's mandate," he said.

"Their responsibility right now is to stop confusing the constituency."

The Supreme Court last week ruled for a second time Sir Michael Somare was the nation's legitimate prime minister, sparking a series of dramatic events that led the O'Neill government last week to declare a state of emergency.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia and Justice Nicholas Kirriwom have been arrested and charged with sedition following the judgments. They are both expected to reappear in court next month.

Asked how the pair could be charged with sedition if parliament now recognised their decisions, Mr O'Neill said that was a matter for police and the courts.

In December, PNG briefly had two prime ministers and two cabinets after the court handed down its first decision.

PNG's Governor General Sir Michael Ogio has left the country for London where he will take part in the Queen's birthday celebrations.

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