Opposition raises concern on Parliament proceedings

The Opposition have raise concern as to how Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc will be handling Parliament business of the day tomorrow, Friday July 15.

The Opposition Leader in a media conference this afternoon said it is likely the Speaker will be introducing the Vote of no-confidence and the Members will debate and vote on it at the same time.

He said as per the Standing Orders of Parliament proceedings, it requires seven days when the vote of no-confidence is introduce for MPs to deliberate on.

He said the Opposition is ready to take the matter to court if this happens tomorrow.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Speaker to recall Parliament within  five days, to have the motion of no-confidence introduced, debated and voted on as a matter of national importance and urgency.

An order was also made to the Clerk of Parliament to place the Notice of Motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister as the first item of business of Parliament on the first day of sitting.

The court declared that the actions of Acting Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on Private Business, Aide Ganasi;

  • In failing to convene a meeting of the Parliamentary committee on private business;
  • In failing to inform parliament of the pending motions of no-confidence in the Prime Minister; and,
  • In failing to conduct the meeting of the Parliament on June 8, to facilitate the introduction of the motion of no-confidence, thereby preventing debate by parliament on the motion lodged on June 7, are unconstitutional and invalid.

It was done contrary to sections 111, 115, 141, 142(5)(a)  and 145 of the Constitution.

The Court found that the actions of the Speaker denied the rights of Members of Parliament to introduce the motion, debate and vote contrary to section 111 and 115, thus is also unconstitutional and invalid.

Polye said he is confident to overthrow Peter O’Neill as the Prime Minister and form a new government.

He said other coalition parties were also in talks with the Opposition and will form a new government in the coming days.

Author: 
Freddy Mou