Comments

JK that’s a good point. Also the case Namah is faced with relates to Namah storming the court house to arrest the Chief Justice in 2011. It’s difficult for anyone to face the same court expecting a favorable result. He says he will appeal the case, so let’s see how it goes.

Hi Jelson, thanks for the comments. Basically, we will never know the answers to these questions unless court rules on them. At the moment, each man has his own interpretation 😊

One question. As a layman I am of the view that SC only reviews application made by aggrieved parties of a lower court. In the case of Beldan N tribunal; when the tribunal end a decision for dismissal from office for the member for Vanimo Green, he appealed for a SC review on his dismissal; thus he was successfully granted a permanent stay order pending the review. And he continue to serve as MP for Vanimo Green. In the 29 May SC decision, the SC could refer to the stay order and the pending judicial review then making an outright decision to effect his dismissal. This in my view is tantamount to violation of natural justice and an unprecedented case of a decision made outside the rule of court. What about the permanent stay order and the judicial review currently pending for Beldan N. Some legal expert on this can shed some light here.

Excellent piece! Interesting research findings that rescue women from the victimhood trap, and presents a positive outlook!

Interesting article!

Firstly, bro, I will comment here and later on the blog site. Secondly, the substantive matter must be dealt with by the full Supreme Court Bench comprising all 9 judges for purposes of clarity and uniformity in the interpretation of the Constitutional questions highlighted and still afoot. Thirdly, it is unconstitutional for Former Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to withdraw his nomination when nominations had already been closed by the Speaker. Importantly, Peter O'neill nomination shouldn't have been entertained by the Speaker because technically, Namah was already suspended pending judicial court clarification as Member for Vanimo-Green. This raises the issue of the integrity of the Member for Vanimo-Green, while under suspension as per section 61, 62, and 63 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Law. Fourthly, the Speaker can be removed by Parliament via a VONC with a absolute majority vote in favor and via the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Elected Leaders, which is administered by the PNG Ombudsman Commission. If this happens, the deputy Speaker will be acting Speaker as per Parliamentary Standing Orders. A Permanent Speaker can only be made when the currentParliament cycle ends and a new Parliament is sworn into Parliament as per the Constitution.

Very insightful read. Great work to all involved!

Thanks Martin, Michelle and Stephen. A really informative piece that illustrates the another form of 'dinau' which many of our people find themselves entangled in.

Very interesting!

Great piece Bruce. On point.

Wonderful article, thank you for writing this Akito. The ANU through the Seeds of Life of program recognised the importance of agriculture to the future of young Timorese. An evaluation I did for Plan International revealed the need for the Timorese government to listen to young Timorese who wanted to stay in their villages because they had access to water (in Aileu) and could see their future in agriculture IF ag systems and infrastructure was supported by the government.

Hi Newman, Hope a lawyer will clarify on that. Here’s what I understand from researching for this article: 1. The NEC declared an emergency lockdown. This is consistent with the Constitution. When there is an immediate threat/s, and there’s no time to call for a parliament sitting, NEC can act as it did. 2. The parliament must be called, however, within two weeks to vote on it. If there’s an extension, only parliament can decide on that (NEC cannot extend an SOE/lockdown). 3. So far, this is what happened. NEC declared lockdown, parliament was called to sanction it within two weeks - end of two weeks - and parliament extended it for two more months. 4. Now parliament will decide on 2 June whether to extend it. For relevant provisions in the constitution that provides for SOE, click on the links in the article.