Expectation of MPs too high, unrealistic

PEOPLE’S expectations of their members of Parliament pose a formidable challenge for politicians, who are expected to be “Jack of all trades,” or as Dame Carol Kidu, Papua New Guinea’s only female MP puts it, “Jill of all trades – including the doctor and the undertaker”.
Back in her own constituency, she had suggested that what was needed was not just a code of conduct for leaders but a “people’s code” so that the public would have more realistic expectations of their elected representatives.
Facilitating a workshop on public leadership, part of an induction programme for new MPs being held at Parliament last year Dame Carol could commiserate with the Papua New Guinea members who complained that constituents expected their parliamentary representative to be a development officer.
“And to win again you have to be a development officer. I know this story,” Dame Carol, who is currently serving her second term in office and is currently the Minister of Welfare and Social Development, said.
Discussing the question of what voters expect, Dame Carol was blunt.
“Let’s be honest. Voters expect cash. And they want you to solve all their personal difficulties. It is one of the biggest problems we face.”
The high expectations, she said, come out of a culture based on reciprocity that is shared by both Pacific islanders and the people of Papua New Guinea.
“People don’t see the government; they just see the person they voted for,” was the view of one member.
They saw their members as administrators, responsible for delivering services, he said.
It was argued that if the public administration was strengthened so that it could better deliver services, the politicians could get on with their real job of developing policies and passing legislation.
“How do we make that paradigm mental shift away from cargo culture?” Dame Carol asked.
One way, it was agreed was to provide civic education so that people understood better the role and responsibilities of the members.
Another is good communications with one’s constituents, so that people know what decisions their MPs are making on their behalf.
Frequent home visits and local constituency offices were also identified as a way of keeping in touch with the electorate.
But as Dame Carol pointed out, these need to be fully funded by Parliament.
Back in the capital Port Moresby MPs also need more support, especially for their parliamentary committee work.
“Members are very much on their own,” Dame Carol, who identified the need for well educated, post graduates to support the MPs by providing research and committee assistance, said.
The UNDP’s parliamentary strengthening project has recently employed seven such graduates to provide these services for the Parliament.
A good wife is the best support a MP can have, offered one new member, who pointed out that longstanding MPs were always backed by a supportive spouse. This provoked a few chuckles but no denials.
Public leadership is just one aspect of good governance. Other topics include scrutiny of the executive; question time, lawmaking and committees.

Frank Goi
Newcastle
Australia