Word: parliament
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Like politicians everywhere, Papua New Guinean M.P.s are programmed to plot. Eighteen months after a national election, a new government loses its immunity from votes of no confidence - and disgruntled M.P.s on both sides of Parliament start conspiring to unseat it. Of 11 governments since Independence in 1975, only six have been elected. Five won power through no-confidence votes or the threat of them; none has lasted a full five-year term. "Abusing the 18-month grace period is like a disease in P.N.G. politics," says Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. "Those who feel they've missed out always...
...January, just before Somare's 18 months ran out, he tried - and failed - to have the safe period extended to three years. As murmurs of a no-confidence vote grew louder, Somare adjourned Parliament for five months. But the time that bought him was cut short. In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the December selection of a new Governor-General had been invalid: Parliament must meet and vote again. The plotters had their chance...
...decided to join it. In mid May, saying, "the nation needs stability," he took most of his P.N.G. Party into Somare's 12-party coalition. A week later, Somare sacked seven Cabinet ministers, including four members of the People's National Congress, whose founder, Bill Skate, was Speaker of Parliament - and thus acting Governor-General. "We need a government intact," Somare explained, "a government to continue and complete its term of office...
...M.P.s arriving at Parliament were searched for weapons by armed police. The Opposition accused Somare of "resorting to undemocratic ways" but couldn't match the numbers on the government benches. Former diplomat Sir Paulias Matane was elected as Governor-General, but the expected no-confidence motion didn't come. Next day, the government voted to sack Skate as Speaker. Unable to stop the move, most of the Opposition stormed...
...Born In-flight comfort with an internet connection in every seat Take a Hike Destinations to restore your sense of wonder The city of Leiria in the lower Beira region has long been known for nurturing fragile forms. In 1254 it was the site of the first Portuguese cortes (parliament) to include commoners. For the last two centuries or so, Leiria (pop. 50,000) has been best known for its handicrafts, particularly the fine, handblown glassware from the factories in nearby Marinha Grande. The delicate glass, often richly colored, was a by-product of Portugal's maritime ambitions: 700 years...