Despite predictions, a motion for a vote of no confidence in the Papua New Guinea Government was not put forward yesterday, with commentators saying it shows PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has shored up his support.

A vote seemed likely after four Cabinet Ministers defected to the Opposition yesterday with former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Puka Temu, becoming the new leader of the Opposition.

Political scientist Dr Alfonse Gelu said people expected the motion to be put but he said PNG politics is very fluid and the Opposition did not have the numbers that it had boasted of on Monday night.

He said the Government appears to have the support of around 60 of the 109 MPs.

Story by: Vijay Narayan