The Vote of No Confidence Motion filed on the 7th of May has been withdrawn by Opposition Leader, Patrick Pruaitch, as the alternative government re-strategizes in its bid to oust Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.
Flanked by members of the alternative government camp, Pruaitch said he has informed the Clerk of Parliament to withdraw the motion.
Tari-Pori MP James Marape has also withdrawn his nomination as alternative Prime Minister.
In a media conference yesterday, Pruaitch and Marape along with several members of the alternative government camp fronted the media to announce the decision to withdraw the motion for a Vote of No Confidence against the Prime Minister.
“I as the mover of the motion have written to the clerk to withdraw the motion with the concurrence of Prime Minister nominee, James Marape, we are of the view that the position needs to be brought back to the caucus and we invite members of parliament, particularly on the other side, to move to the Opposition so we can finally determine the Prime Ministerial nominee,” said Pruaitch.
Marape also said: “I was bestowed the honour to be given the title of alternative Prime Minister but it is now one week past the event of 7th of May. There are many Prime Ministerial candidates also in the Government side as well as on our side. And so by greater consensus by every one of us, I am truly privileged to appreciate the fact that this nomination has been withdrawn and we are placing on the table for any leaders on this side or the other side.
“We invite any likeminded leader to come and for us to combine efforts to form a new government,” said Marape.
Abau MP Sir Puka Temu said: “There are Ministers in there who know the truth. For the sake of the people, our people are calling us to do the right thing by leaving the Prime Minister and forming a new Government.”
A new motion for a Vote of No Confidence has not been ruled out by the Alternative Government.
The alternative government currently has 49 MPs in their camp.
(Patrick Pruaitch addressing media yesterday)