Crunch day for PNG's PM ^Featured

Mr O'Neill has been fighting for his political survival since PNG police opened fire on protesting university students calling for his resignation over corruption allegations in June.

Papua New Guinea's Government and opposition groupings have been in their respective camps lobbying ahead of today's vote.

As of Thursday, at least 60 MPs were reported to have gathered at Alotau, the prime minister's camp, but Opposition leader, Don Polye said he had the support of three former PNG prime minister's, including Sir Michael Somare, seen as the father of PNG independence.

A civil society group in PNG said it would continue to encourage civil disobedience if Mr O'Neill survives today's planned vote of no confidence.

The group said some airline, maritime, energy and health workers are observing its call not to go to work until the prime minister steps aside or is removed from office.

Union's representing Doctors and Pilots have endorsed the call for protest, while the Maritime and Transport Workers Union has denied that port workers are taking part.

But the civil society group's leader, Moses Murray, said the port workers are performing what's known as a go-slow.

"They are continuing to employ that tactic. They have come under pressure from certain business organisations who have their cargos on the boats that are anchored in Port Moresby harbour waiting to be cleared."

He also adds the action would continue until the prime minister goes.

"We'll maintain the course and we'll go on until, which ever way it happens, if the Prime Minister resigns or is voted out in a no confidence motion, this whole thing is called off."

PNG Doctors issue August 4 strike ultimatum

The Doctors Union in Papua New Guinea said it would proceed with strike action next month even if Mr O'Neill is toppled by today's planned parliamentary vote of no confidence.

The National Doctors Association said the strike would begin on August the 4th unless the Government reverses a 30 percent cut to the health budget and re-opens the medical school.

The Association is also calling for Mr O'Neill to step aside and had given its blessing to doctors who take part in civil disobedience in support of that call.

The General Secretary of the Association, Sam Yockopua, said doctors in hospitals around the country have been protesting against the prime minister.

"So members of the Association have chosen not to turn up for work, or either to turn up for work but to become unproductive."

"That is called civil disobedience and it is their inherent constitutional right, and it is their democratic right to do so."

Sam Yockopua said other trade unions in PNG have been intimidated by the government into not supporting calls for Mr O'Neill's removal.

-RNZI