After 12 high-ranking government ministers led by Deputy Prime Minister Sam Basil defected to the opposition, current Prime Minister James Marape, is facing a leadership threat. This comes a day after the passing of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Bill and a week before the schedule of handing down of the 2021 budget.
These officials mentioned the worsening economic woes of the country and its growing debt - in light of the current pandemic.
In an earlier press conference, PM Marape claimed to have 52 members within his ranks after 15 other MP’s rejoined his team. Some of those members voted with the opposition to change the permanent parliamentary committee on Private Business and adjourn Parliament to December 2.
The government appears to have the number totalling 56, although they said they have 61 members. They were caught by surprise during the resumption of Parliament with votes towards opposition 57-49.
PM Marape added that the Parliament used its power to adjourn the parliament, and expected to declare a cabinet reshuffle for those members who defected to the opposition.
In spite of these changes, Marape still remains the PM and government still continues its duties until Parliament resumes. A motion of vote of no confidence is expected to be handed to the clerk of Parliament and the method could last for a week for a new Prime Minister to be elected
