Sir Michael Somare continues to insist he is Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, despite the governor general and the nation’s civil service backing Peter O’Neill.
Sir Michael, 75, continues to hold meetings at the Ela beach hotel, even after the nation’s army and police chiefs said they recognise the O’Neill government.
“My minority government does not want to see this country being led by members of parliament that use sheer numbers to hijack processes in parliament and trample all over our Constitution,” he said.
Sir Michael was returned to office on December 12 after the Supreme Court ruled his August 2 dumping was unconstitutional.
Mr O’Neill says he has the backing of 75 out of 109 members of parliament, and was recognised on Tuesday by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio as the nation’s only PM.
The December 12 decision sparked a tense stand-off between members of the police force loyal to Mr Somare.
The O’Neill government last week suspended Governor-General Ogio after he swore in Sir Michael’s cabinet.
Sir Michael Ogio has since apologised, citing bad advice, and on Monday reinstated Mr O’Neill.