Confusion over pastor discussing politics

WE all understand that political parties are an integral part of political system in Papua New Guinea.
As the country heads into the 2017 general elections, voters are confronted with the highest number of registered political parties.
Whilst this is reflective of our democratic rights of freedom of association, most of these political parties are ambiguous and have duplicated policies.
There is always a missing link of political parties and the people at large.
The strengthening of this link will build a stable political environment and would also make the parties become more relevant to the society. Most of the aspiring political parties only come to existence during the election period and cease to exist after losing the election.
Many of the political parties have weak organisations and ideologies that do not get votes and little clarity of their party’s policies.
Launching of new and old political parties only during the elections is a norm in PNG where many have failed to establish themselves in sustaining and educating the people about their policy platforms.
Having a political forum for political parties to discuss their policies at the eve of the general elections shows clearly how weak our political party system is in
PNG and many of the registered political parties will ceased to exist after formation of new government.
Therefore, I suggest that some of the political parties should merge with other political parties which have similar policies so there will be a formidable link with the society and continuation of stable government.
In that way the political party system in PNG will be strengthened now and in the future.

Osbourne Karmie
Port Moresby