PNG opposition to challenge Marape election in court

6:47 pm on 2 July 2019

Papua New Guinea's opposition says it plans to challenge Prime Minister James Marape's election in the Supreme Court.

Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape, June 2019.

Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape, June 2019. Photo: PNG PM Media

Mr Marape was nominated and won a vote in parliament in May, replacing Peter O'Neill.

The leader of the National Alliance, Patrick Pruaitch said it's likely a challenge to the process would be filed in the coming days.

Mr Pruaitch had earlier been expected to be nominated as a candidate for prime minister.

But come the parliamentary vote, he nominated Mr O'Neill to remain in the job when support rallied around Mr Marape.

Although in the event he and the National Alliance voted for Mr Marape, Mr Pruaitch is now seeking a Supreme Court interpretation on alleged irregularities in the election.

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