PNG parliament resumes amid discussions of vote of no confidence

Internal political turmoil is brewing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) following anti-corruption protests and moves by the opposition political parties for a vote of no confidence against current Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

The PNG parliament resumes from recess on Tuesday, where it is expected opposition leader Don Polye, along with 11 other MPs, will call for a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister O'Neill.

The ruling People's National Congress however is confident it will defeat the measure, noting it's overwhelming majority of 61 seats, plus coalition partners exceeding a two-third majority of 74.

O'Neill dismissed the move, telling local media it is a result of "power-hungry politicians" and "failed NGOs" that are trying to topple the government.

Xinhua has contacted Polye's office for comment.

Meanwhile protestors on Monday gathered in the capital Port Moresby and other cities, calling for O'Neill to resign and face corruption charges brought against him by the now disbanded anti-corruption body Taskforce Sweep.

An arrest warrant for O'Neill is currently active, though under judicial review, over allegations he personally authorized an illegal 31 million Australian dollar payment to a local law firm.

Parliament is expected to vote to legislate an independent corruption authority, a constitutional amendment to ownership rights of PNG's vast hydrocarbon resources in the year's final sitting.

PNG's budget will be handed down on Nov. 3 as the pacific nation faces significant revenue short falls from El Nino induced drought and the collapse of energy commodities. Enditem