THE OLD GUARD HAVE LOST IT!

Somare's lawyers to challenge report

Ilya Gridneff, AAP Papua New Guinea Correspondent

December 13, 2010 - 1:09PM

AAP

The political future of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare is hanging in the balance, with his lawyers heading to court on Monday in an attempt to head off a leadership tribunal which would force him to step down while it investigates misconduct allegations.

There is also speculation a disaffected Don Polye, who was dumped as deputy prime minister in a sudden cabinet reshuffle last week, may take his Highlands faction to the opposition's ranks in an attempt to topple the government via a vote of no-confidence.

Mr Polye's position is unclear but Sir Michael, who has survived numerous close shaves in his 40 years of politics, is facing possible suspension from office if a leadership tribunal goes ahead.

The prime minister's lawyers are expected in court on Monday afternoon to push for an injunction against the public prosecutor who last week announced Sir Michael must face a tribunal for alleged misconduct in office.

The legal team will argue the Ombudsman Commission failed to follow several procedures, effectively invalidating the commission's report into alleged improprieties regarding Sir Michael's listing of financial statements.

On Sunday night, Sir Michael made a televised address to the nation to clarify the allegations against him regarding failing to provide financial statements from as far back as 1993.

While Sir Michael did not deny the allegations he stressed they were administrative not criminal matters.

In what was a big week in PNG's unpredictable politics, the turmoil intensified on Friday afternoon when the Supreme Court ruled the June re-appointment of Sir Paulias Matane as governor-general was invalid.

The ruling declared PNG's parliament now must reconvene before January 20 to replace the governor-general.

The opposition is hoping this resitting of parliament will give it an opportunity for another vote of no confidence.However, two previous attempts this year have already be thwarted.

Friday's Supreme Court ruling also criticised Speaker Jeffery Nape, who has been key to the government's survival by allowing lengthy adjournments to stave off previous no-confidence votes.

Sir Paulias and Mr Nape, both on holidays, have been silent on the developments while PNG government officials have not indicated when parliament will reconvene.

© 2010 AAP