Don Polye

Polye files motions to recall Parliament

Opposition Leader Don Poyle in a news conference today said: “A Constitutional process must be accomplished.”

He was referring to the Motion of Vote of No-Confidence (VONC) which the Opposition filed last Tuesday, but the next day, the Government used its numerical strength to adjourn Parliament, into the VONC grace period.  

After July 27, 2016, no motion of VONC can be moved against the Government.  

Poyle stated the six reasons for submitting the VONC against the O’Neill-Dion Government are;

Ongoing students’ issues hit the floor of parliament

The debate was started by Opposition Leader Don Polye who said the unfounded allegations by the government that the Opposition is behind the university students were all lies.

He said the misperception that the Opposition members have put words into the student body is utterly false.

“It is very difficult to influence highly educated people who have been educated and have knowledge of general matters that affects their livelihood in the present time and in future,” Polye told Parliament.

Opposition calls for release of students in Wewak

He said such arrests and detainment is uncalled for in a democratic country like PNG; it is unlawful and might lead to chaos in the country.

“Students should not be locked up in prison.”

Polye said the students were just practicing their rights to do awareness and inform their parents and the people of the nation about issues affecting the country.

“For the police to lock them up in cells is uncalled for and morally wrong.”

Polye is calling on Police Commissioner Gari Baki to direct his police commander in Wewak, East Sepik, to release the students.

PNG Opposition welcomes ACP delegation

In a media conference this afternoon, Opposition leader Don Polye said: “Our people are very friendly as we are the Melanesian people and accept our visitors and friends with open arms.”

He said PNG is an interesting place to visit as there are many business opportunities and friendly people.

This is the second time PNG is hosting the ACP.

Basil hands over position to Polye

The handover of the leadership was done accordingly and followed every process.

Basil welcomes Polye back and handed over the position in front of his other Opposition members this afternoon in Port Moresby.

Polye had stood down from the position after the National Court set aside his 2012 election over disputed ballot boxes.

After a successful election petition by runner-up, Alfred Manase, the court on May 2, ruled that five ballot boxes in Polye's Kandep electorate were not properly counted by the Electoral Commission.

Kua steps away from the ‘crowded bench’ to join Opposition

Vibrant former Attorney General and Sinasina Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua has stepped out from the crowded government back benches and joined the Opposition bench this afternoon.

In welcoming the leader of National Party, Opposition Leader Don Polye thanked him for making such a move.

“The move by Kua was for his people and not for his personnel gain. We welcome him to the Opposition as he brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team,” Polye said.

O’Neill welcomes Polye back

O’Neill during a radio talk-back in Port Moresby said the Government needed experienced politician like Polye to give advice and bring development into the country.

He said he would enjoy working with Polye as they have no personnel issues or whatsoever.

“He’s an experienced politician who is serving his third term as an MP and we need such people when debating on policies and issues in the floor of parliament.”

Polye’s 2012 election victory was set aside after the national court ruled in favour of his runner up and petitioner Alfred Manaseh.

Lawyer Manase orders newspaper to retract story

Manaseh in a press conference today said he will also be suing the former opposition leader Don Polye for releasing malicious statements.

He said the claims laid against him in The National newspaper were all lies and lacked evidence.

The newspaper in an article published a story claiming that Manaseh had a relationship with a female Electoral Commission officer and has a teenage daughter from that relationship.

Manaseh said these are all lies and tactics used by Polye to divert from the truth.

Polye steps down as PNG opposition leader

After a successful election petition by the seat's runner-up, Alfred Manase, the court yesterday ruled that five ballot boxes in Mr Polye's Kandep electorate were not properly counted by the Electoral Commission.

Sam Basil is to be the new opposition leader after Mr Polye today announced he respected the court decision and would step aside.

The Kandep leader has however voiced concern over the fairness of the decision, suggesting it had a political dimension to it, coming towards the end of PNG's five year parliamentary term.

PM Condemns Reckless Litigation by now-former MP Polye

PM O’Neill said the application brought by the now-suspended Member of Parliament and Opposition Leader should never have been brought forward in the first place.

“I welcome the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court that proves that the UBS Loan was obtained within the laws of country,” the Prime Minister said.

“The State took on the loan so that our people could have a healthy investment in our resources sector.

“This was a sound decision, made with full legal consultation, and should never have been the subject of such malicious litigation.