from the National - Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was re-elected securing 86 votes in parliament, with members and parties to the Warangoi Accord electing to stay with the Chief in probably his last term as prime minister.

But the election was not without some drama, with a government member breaking rank to vote for Bart Philemon as Speaker. But that was not enough, with Jeffery Nape winning the post 86 votes to 22.

After Sir Michael was nominated by South Bougainville MP Michael Laimo, Mr Philemon stood up and nominated Sir Julius Chan for prime minister, arguing that the standing orders required another candidate to also contest.

Mr Philemon raised a point of order, and called for the election of the prime minister to be deferred until after the Supreme Court had determined a case filed by the opposition due to be heard on Friday. But Speaker Nape ignored this and went ahead with the election of the prime minister.

Members voted according to the resolution of their political party. The 21 members from the Opposition (PNG Party, New Generation Party, People’s Progress Party and People’s Labour Party) voted against Sir Michael.

After his election, Sir Michael thanked the people of PNG for their confidence in mandating NA to form government. He said he was happy to lead a large but manageable coalition Government made up of seasoned leaders and fresh, energetic, young and articulate leaders.