Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has strongly rejected Governor Allan Bird’s assertion that the Supreme Court’s decision on constitutional amendments represents a “societal defeat,” saying the Governor’s comments are misleading, legally unfounded, and risk undermining public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions including our Judiciary.
The Prime Minister said it was disappointing to see an elected leader publicly diminish a unanimous ruling of the country’s highest court.
Supreme Court’s Decision Is a Victory for Constitutional Order — Not a Defeat for Society
Prime Minister Marape said Governor Bird’s characterisation of the decision as enabling “indefinite entrenchment of power” is “simply wrong.”
“The Supreme Court did not weaken democracy — it strengthened constitutional clarity,” PM Marape said. “The Court confirmed that Parliament followed correct process, that Members’ rights were not breached, and that the amendments were consistent with the spirit and structure of our Constitution.”
The Prime Minister said it is dangerous for any leader to suggest that the judiciary has harmed democracy by doing its job.
“To call a constitutional ruling a ‘societal defeat’ is reckless. It implies that five senior judges acted against the nation’s interest, which is untrue and deeply disrespectful,” he said.
Opposition’s Role Remains Fully Intact — Accountability Was Not ‘Crippled’
PM Marape described Governor Bird’s claim that the Opposition has been rendered “exceedingly vulnerable” as an exaggeration unsupported by constitutional reality.
“The Opposition’s role has never depended solely on Section 145,” the Prime Minister said.“Accountability happens every single day through the Public Finance Management Act, ICAC, Ombudsman Commission, Police, the Public Accounts Committee, parliamentary questions, media scrutiny, and the courts themselves.”
He said the suggestion that the Opposition has been “crippled” demonstrates a narrow interpretation of democracy.
“Democratic accountability is not measured by how easily one can remove a Prime Minister. It is measured by the strength of institutions including the Opposition side in Parliament — and those institutions remain fully empowered.”
“Indefinite Entitlement of Power” Is a False Claim — Majorities Change in Parliament All the Time
The Prime Minister said the ruling does not shield any Prime Minister from removal.
“The Government can still change at any time if it loses its majority. The Court’s decision does not prevent Members from withdrawing support or forming new coalitions,” he said.
He reminded the public that:
• Even within 12 months of an election, Members may rally numbers.
• If a motion is successful, Parliament can be dissolved and a fresh election called.
• No Prime Minister is guaranteed tenure — only the support of the majority.
“To claim that one individual is now protected indefinitely is false and misleading.”
Oversight Institutions Are Not “Under Strain” — They Remain Fully Functional
PM Marape rejected the notion that only the Opposition stands between citizens and unchecked power.
“ICAC, Police, the Ombudsman Commission, the Auditor-General, the Central Agencies Coordinating Committee, Opposition Caucus and parliamentary committees remain fully operational and independent,” he said.
“For Governor Bird to imply that these institutions are ineffective is unfair to the hardworking Papua New Guineans who serve in them.”
Government Has Never Weaponised Funding Against the Opposition
Responding to Governor Bird’s insinuations about pressure on Opposition Members, PM Marape said:“Every Opposition MP knows that this Pangu Administration has delivered DSIP, PSIP and other support funds for their Districts and Provinces including ESP. We do not punish electorates for political affiliation. We have governed with fairness.”
Disagreement with the Ruling Does Not Justify Damaging Public Confidence
Prime Minister Marape said leaders must show responsibility when addressing the public on constitutional matters.
“You can disagree with the Court — that is your right. But to claim that democracy is collapsing or that corruption will inevitably flourish is irresponsible,” he said.
“Leadership requires maturity, not fear-mongering. Our democracy is not as fragile as Governor Bird suggests. All these institutions functions and if one of us is in the wrong then certainly, we can be caught out.”
Democracy Requires Majority Support — Not Emotional Rhetoric
The Prime Minister encouraged Governor Bird to focus on building political strength organically rather than portraying constitutional outcomes as existential threats.
“In Westminster systems, the majority forms and maintains Government. If you cannot rally the majority, the answer is not to attack the Constitution or the judiciary,” he said.
“Instead of blaming everyone else, build your party, campaign hard, win seats, and seek the people’s mandate in 2027. Section 63 invitation to form Government is there for the political party that performs the best.”
PM Marape: “PNG’s Democracy Is Strong. Institutions Are Strong. The Judiciary Is Strong.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming confidence in Papua New Guinea’s democratic framework.
“Our nation has just witnessed the rule of law at work. The Supreme Court has spoken. Parliament followed proper process. Democracy stands firm.”
He said Governor Bird’s evocative language about “remnants unmoved by power” is “poetic politics, but not constitutional reality.”
“Our democracy is not dying. It is functioning exactly as it was designed to. What we need now is calm, respect for institutions, and maturity from leaders — not defeatist narratives that are aimed to incite public misgivings and undermines our Judiciary and Parliamentary processes.”