Prime Minister

The petitions also called for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate allegations of mal-administration and abuse of authority by the Prime Minister and his Ministers and others associated with him; consider establishing an interim government that was independent to organize new Legislative Assembly elections and to support the work of the independent commission.

The group, understood to contain both foreign based and local Tongans, has launched an online fundraiser in an effort to raise capital so that they can promote their cause.

The campaigners said a united stance is needed against what they allege is government lawlessness and corruption.

They said they need finances for a campaign to gather support and inform people of the issues.

Loop PNG reports O’Neill was sworn in by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae in Parliament yesterday afternoon.

After his People's National Congress emerged as the party with the most MPs from PNG's lengthy national election, Mr O'Neill has gained enough support in the parliament to begin a second five year term in the position.

The Ialibu-Pangia MP-elect was nominated by Abau MP Puka Temu, before Mt Hagen MP William Duma seconded the motion and Tari MP James Marape closed the nomination.

“In 2012, when we took office only 23 per cent of all our roads (national highways) in the country were said to be in a good condition; today, I can tell you that over 50 per cent of roads in the country are classified as in good condition,” O’Neill said during the launching of PNC campaign for the election today in Port Moresby.   

“We (PNC led government) have rebuilt over 3,000km of roads throughout the country, but we have further 10, 000km we have to attend to, these are key major roads linking all our towns, cities and districts.”

Petelō told the Prime Minister: “We are not your enemy.”

The Prime Minister told her to move on from that but Petelo responded instantly: “I need to state it clearly.”

The Prime Minister talked again, but Petelō interrupted and told him “we are the scapegoat” and said the TBC did not hold an ill feeling towards him.

Kaniva News reports Petelō told the Prime Minister the TBC did not want to report anything bad about him.

The motion was tabled in parliament on Monday by Lord Tu'iha'angana, one of seven Nobles' Representatives who signed it.

Three People's Representatives also put their name to the motion, former Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, Vili Hingano and Fe'ao Vakata who Mr Pohiva sacked for misconduct last year.

'Akilisi Pohiva's government will face a motion in parliament next week.

His two years in office have been fraught with accusations of inaction, opposition to changes in the education sector and the proposed signing of a women's rights convention, and the loss of two cabinet ministers to bribery charges and misconduct.

However Massey University's Malakai Koloamatangi said it looked like government MPs would have to cross the floor for the vote to be successful.

RNZ reports Dr Koloamatangi said the criticism that Mr Pohiva has come under may actually help him.

Called it "the hardest decision I've ever made," an emotional Mr Key said "I don't know what I'll do next".

Deputy PM Bill English is likely to take over until the National Party holds a caucus to choose a new PM.

Mr Key, a popular leader, is stepping down at the request of his wife Bronagh, the New Zealand Herald reports.

He won a third term for the National Party at elections in September 2014. He said he would not be contesting the 2017 election.

'Nothing left'

'Akilisi Pohiva has told parliament he has doubts that the country will be ready in time to host the Games.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, said a new golf course is not necessary.

 Mr Pohiva requested that the King revoke Fe'ao Vakata's cabinet appointment because of unacceptable conduct.

The Prime Minister said he had to discipline Mr Vakata after a complaint was laid against him for throwing a wine glass at a senior civil servant.

Mr Pohiva said the former minister will have no role to play in government and is now simply a representative of his Niuas constituency.