Port Moresby, Monday, 31 March 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today emphasised his government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law following the Supreme Court ruling directing the recall of Parliament to deliberate on a motion of no confidence.
The Supreme Court, in a decision handed down this morning, declared that the Private Business Committee’s decision of 27 November 2024 to reject the motion of no confidence was unconstitutional. The Court further ordered that Parliament be recalled to sit on 8 April 2025, with the motion of no confidence to be placed on the Notice Paper and debated accordingly.
Prime Minister Marape, responding shortly after the Court’s announcement, said: “We are a government that respects the courts. The Supreme Court reads and interprets the Constitution better than all of us, and we will honour its ruling.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Court’s clarification of critical constitutional provisions which pertain to the right of Members of Parliament to introduce motions and participate in the democratic processes of government.
“The Court found that there was a vacuum in the law and has provided direction. As the executive arm of government, we will not stand in the way. Parliament will sit as ordered by the Court,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic norms, distancing it from the political crisis of 2011: “Unlike the 2011 Government, we will not defy the Supreme Court. I want to leave behind a legacy that upholds judicial independence and respects court decisions. This is how democracy must function.”
Among its declarations, the Supreme Court found that:
• The Private Business Committee’s rejection of the motion was unconstitutional.
• Parliament’s earlier resolution to reject the motion was not a bar to a fresh motion being entertained.
• The failure to list the motion on the Notice Paper violated the principle of collective responsibility and was inconsistent with section 141 of the Constitution
• The Speaker is now ordered to recall Parliament by 8 April 2025 to allow for the motion to be introduced and debated.
• The Private Business Committee must deliver the motion to the Clerk of Parliament for listing.
These declarations reflect the Court’s commitment to preserving the rights of MPs and ensuring motions of no confidence are properly handled, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant Standing Orders.
Prime Minister Marape also praised the legal process, stating: “I commend the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and all who pursued this matter through the courts. It is a testament to our maturing democracy. The courts remain the proper venue for conflict resolution in our country.”
The Prime Minister confirmed he has instructed his legal team to examine constitutional questions around the separation of powers: “While respecting the ruling, we will seek clarification from the Supreme Court on where the boundary lies between the role of Parliament and that of the Court.”
He assured the public that the Government will cooperate with all directives of the Court and allow the parliamentary process to proceed without obstruction.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by encouraging all leaders and citizens to respect the institutions that uphold democracy and law in Papua New Guinea:
“Let us teach our country that disputes must be settled in court, and when courts rule, we must comply. This is the foundation of our democracy.”
[ENDS]
