Court asked again to end PNG stalemate

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Peter O'Neill remains the effective Prime Minister with the support of the police, defence force, public service and most parliamentarians. [AFP]

Liam Fox, PNG correspondent

Last Updated: Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:34:00 +1100

Papua New Guinea's highest court is again being asked to determine the country's legitimate prime minister.

The Supreme Court's order last month to reinstate Sir Michael Somare as prime minister plunged the country into a constitutional crisis.

Peter O'Neill remains the effective Prime Minister with the support of the police, defence force, public service and most parliamentarians.

But the confusion remains, so Mr O'Neill's Attorney-General has filed a Supreme Court reference asking for the court's opinion on 29 constitutional questions.

Among them; can the court impose orders on parliament, can parliament pass retrospective legislation and can the Governor-General refuse a directive from parliament to appoint a prime minister.

A date is yet to be set for preliminary hearings.