06 May 2019 | 06:56 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Disruptions possible surrounding confidence vote May 7
Parliament to hold vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on May 7; heightened security presence expected in Port Moresby and protests possible
Event
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill faces a vote of no confidence as early as Tuesday, May 7, which would result in an immediate change of leadership. Around 1000 additional security personnel deployed to Port Moresby as of Monday, May 6. Protests are possible during and following the vote, regardless of the outcome. Heightened security measures are expected, particularly in Port Moresby and near Parliament House; transportation and business disruptions are possible in the event of any protests.
Context
Peter O'Neill, who has served as prime minister since 2011, faces of a vote of no confidence in part due to recent resource extraction agreements. Either side requires 56 votes of the 111-member parliament. Opposition parties claim to have 57 votes while O'Neill has insisted that 60 members of parliament back his leadership.
Advice
Individuals in Papua New Guinea, particularly Port Moresby, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public gatherings, anticipate transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
