PNG Prime Minister

Mr O'Neill, who has been in the role since 2011, avoided facing a likely confidence vote by making good on his recent announcement that he would step down.

The prime minister has been under intense pressure after mass defections from his government in the past month left him without a majority in parliament.

Mr O'Neill told parliament this morning that before coming to the chamber, he had tendered his resignation to the Governor-General.

Mr. O'Neill held a press conference on Sunday in Port Moresby, indicating that he would resign "in the coming days".

After almost eight years in the position, he said he would hand over the leadership to Sir Julius Chan, a 79-year-old who has had two previous stints as prime minister.

The prime minister's resignation is not final until after it is received in writing by the governor general. Mr O'Neill said he would visit the Queen's representative this week, to "clear the way for the parliament to vote for the next prime minister".