30 May 2019 | 01:23 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Parliament to vote on new prime minister May 30 /update 3
Parliament to vote on new prime minister on May 30; public demonstrations possible
Event
The Papua New Guinea parliament is convening on Thursday, May 30, to vote on a new prime minister following the resignation of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on Wednesday, May 29. It is unclear which party or candidate will be elected, though several ruling party defectors, whose new opposition to O'Neill prompted the resignation, announced they would rejoin the ruling coalition. Public demonstrations are possible in the coming hours and days, particularly in Port Moresby and near the Parliament House. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions are also possible.
Context
Peter O'Neill resigned on May 29 to avoid a likely successful vote of no confidence. O'Neill, who has served as prime minister since 2011, faced increasing political pressure in part due to recent resource extraction agreements.
Advice
Individuals in Port Moresby, and Papua New Guinea more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions near any protest sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
