The University of PNG student body, led by it's Student Representative Counsel, staged a peaceful protest march in Port Moresby, today.

In response to PNG Parliament's controversial passing of the Judicial Conduct Act 2012, which places absolute powers in the hands of parliament to discipline judges, the Student Representative Council, sanctioned a protest march to the National Parliament for the reversal of the law. Several thousand students and supporters converged on the streets of Port Moresby in a show of solidarity against a bad law.

Despite a stand-off with heavily armed police, which lasted a little over an hour, the students professionally negotiated approval for a march. Some policemen even joined the crowd. Nou Vada, a 3rd year law student and blogger, who was a key leader in the analysis of the bad law, drafting of the student petition, organizing #OccupyWaigani, had this to say:

"...I haven't slept in 48 hours... and in this marathon 48 hours I jumped from legal research with a crack team of law students in our little war room in front of 1000+ students to being the public relations voice and face of the March, with 5 interviews from NBC, 1 from Radio New Zealand, 1 from Radio Australia and 1 ABC interview by Liam Fox .....we said we'd #OccupyWaigani, and we did!..."

Earlier this year, the UPNG student body pledged their support for the O'Niell/Namah Government. however, this did not prevent them from denouncing the actions of his government, as:

 "..dangerous and abusive of established Constitutional and legislative processes and Offices already in operation and force.."

The decision to protest proves two things: Firstly, that the students' stand for Principles NOT Politics. And secondly,  that intellectuals can take to the streets in a professional and orderly yet assertive manner, while displaying true leadership and patriotism in defending our Constitution and Democracy.

ACT NOW commends the students for taking action. Prime Minister O'Neill has responded to the student petition by announcing he will address the nation on Sunday night.