Concern over poor standards

By GYNNIE KERO
ECONOMIST Paul Barker says the standards of governance, planning, coordination and accountability in the country are poor, leaving inadequate public goods and services and a weakened economy.
He said this was partly the result of public sector functions having become blurred or fused between the executive and the legislature and between public servants and politicians.
Barker was responding to The National on the calibre of candidates that a developing nation such as Papua New Guinea needed or ones voters needed to choose if they were serious about resuscitating the local economy.
“Candidates are increasingly gaining office through their access to money, and in some cases weaponry, manipulation, power and intimidation,” he said.
“This isn’t democracy; this runs counter to democracy as well as breaching the laws on elections, funding of parties and candidates, and in some cases the criminal code.
“Sadly, some of the most educated have been tempted or felt the need to pursue some of the worst practices to gain office or play the numbers game to remain in office.”
Barker said parties and voters needed to be selecting candidates not just on their capacity to win seats, and certainly not on the basis of illegal electoral inducements, promises and rewards, but on the basis of their past track record of integrity, accountability and good practice.
He said a readiness to take a stand and provide leadership in efforts to stamp corruption, violence against women and children, and sorcery-accusation related violence was important.
An understanding of the economy, the country’s laws, and international issues were useful skills to have, Barker said. He said upholding and reinforcing PNG leadership standards, as envisaged under the Leadership Code, but reinforced by more contemporary requirements as the public release of income and assets through Parliament, and ensuring the clear separation of public office from business and business interests, were a must, at least during the term of office and past terms in office.