Chan, now New Ireland governor, likened attempts of previous prime ministers including Somare to self-styled Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe trying to assume dictatorship.
He told an audience of nearly 1,000 people at the Waigani Seminar at the University of PNG Somare’s unsuccessful attempt to extend the grace period of 18 months was a mere move to make himself look like a dictator.
“My view of the grace period, whether it is six or 18 months is that any mandatory powers bestowed unchecked are extremely dangerous and overpowering the prime minister with unlimited authority to command at will. Our Constitution does not regulate or limit powers during grace periods — it simply says a vote of No Confidence cannot be moved for 18 months or if the Grand Chief succeeds three years,” Chan said.
“During the grace period, the prime minister can run the country like an iron fist, he can even sack the Governor-General, chief justice or any person in government — quite illegal — but there is nothing anyone can do,” Chan added.
“The attorney general/public prosecutor can do nothing because the prime minister cannot be removed except by a vote of no confidence which the Constitution stipulates can only be moved after 18 months,” Chan said.
“Our Constitution unintentionally then provides protection for a specific period for a dictator, terrorist or even a stupid insane person in office for such period. The current saga of many cases before us, are typical of an almost untouchable prime minister,” he said.
“The difference between Mugabe and PNG is that he assumed dictatorship powers whereas here in PNG they are legalized throughout the grace period,” Chan added.
