Wednesday March 14, 2007

SPACE does not allow us to canonise the idiocies of the National Alliance-led Government but two cases need mention.
First is the folly of blindly passing the amendments to the NCDC Act, where the governor is given both the governance and administrative powers, making him susceptible to corrupt practices.
The other is the Julian Moti fiasco, which has caused even party supporters to lose faith in the leadership.
These people feel humiliated and displaced by the Grand Chief’s stance.
Comments from the streets are that Sir Michael Somare, at this age, should demonstrate wisdom and understanding.
Instead, they feel that his recent decisions lack prudence and foresight.
His recent behaviour even appears outlandish to some, at times seriously undermining the rule of law and the principles guarding good governance.
The Chief is seen to be steering the country into turbulent waters, putting at risk those on board.
The fear is that if he remains at the helm for another term, he might wreck the ship.
Many question the wisdom of deferring the question of the party leadership late last year, which subsequently saw the departure of Bart Philemon.
The former minister was regarded by some as a fitting candidate to succeed Sir Michael.
The popular conclusion is that Sir Michael wants to hand over the party leadership to his son, Arthur.
If that is indeed the plan, the party would be accused of practising “dynastic nepotism” and may have to suffer the consequences.
The unceremonious displacement of Philemon as deputy leader of Momase gives the inkling that there is a latent ploy of political greed in the very core of NA party.
Recently, the Chief countered that he has led the party to many victories and that he is a vote-catcher.
Many, however, doubt if he can repeat those victories in the general election in June.
In the 2002 elections, his self-invincibility was well-tested by an unknown, Allan Bird.
In 1997, Sir Julius Chan, once believed to be unbeatable, was dethroned as a result of the Sandline affair. Will Sir Michael suffer the same fate over the Moti fiasco?
The fact is that no one is invincible in a democratic election.
Undoubtedly, other political parties will use the Moti affair as a campaign weapon against Sir Michael and the NA.
As with every election, we will see some members switching camp, for various reasons.
For the NA, even those who choose to remain will be split between the Somare loyalists and those who want a new, fresh leadership.
Members of the latter may want to escape from the hegemony of the Grand Chief that they feel is stifling genuine dialogue, concession and vitality of the party.
According to the party constitution, the chief’s term should not extend beyond the second parliamentary term.
If the letter and spirit of the party’s constitution is adhered to, then Sir Michael is no longer eligible to contest the top post again after this year’s general election.
Who then among the regional deputy leaders are competent to take over?
The four deputy leaders are Don Polye (Highlands), Sinai Brown (Island) Patrick Pruaitch (Momase) and Dr Puka Temu (southern).
Again, according to the party constitution, the party leader should come from one of the deputies.
In my view, with his experience in the civil service and administration, Dr Temu has not performed up to expectations.
Perhaps, the court of disputed returns, the by-election and the frequent alterations of ministries all reflect his instability and inconsistency.
His reputation is further tarnished by his referral to the public prosecutor.
There were rumours recently that NCD Governor Wari Vele would usurp the deputy leader’s post from Dr Temu.
All these makes Dr Temu’s chances of leading the NA remote.
I would also rule out Pruaitch whose ascension to the deputy leader’s post has been questioned, especially with other candidates such as Sir Peter Barter and John Hickey.
There is also speculation that he is only warming the seat for Arthur.
Both Brown and Polye have had some minor setbacks in the ministries that they have headed.
With his leadership qualities, Polye has an edge over Brown.
The onus is now on them to attract voters as well as MPs.
The 39 electorates in the Highlands give Polye an advantage but he would still have to play his cards rights.
With all the privileges of incumbency, a 25% victory for NA in the Highlands would definitely make him the stronger contender for the party leadership and prime minister of PNG if the NA can master the numbers.
Polye’s fight, however, begins in Enga where he is up against an equally aggressive and motivated Peter Ipatas who is also eyeing the prime minister’s post.
The “action governor” has vowed to destroy both the NA and Pangu in the coming general election.
Polye would have to win at least three seats in Enga for the NA and a minimum of 10 seats in the Highlands region.
With Philemon gone and the Chief in murky waters, Polye will have to bring out his best in the elections.

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