Create more autonomies

The National Letters

WRITS for this year’s general election will be open soon and everyone in the country is gearing for this national event.
Intending candidates, current MPs, campaign strategists and supporters are most probably having sleepless nights, preparing policies and strategies for the event.
There are some political ideologies and practices in Papua New Guinea that are really unique and shocking.
The two very obvious ones are:

  • THE number of political parties is the highest in the world; and,
  • THE number of candidates contesting for seats is also the highest in the world.

This reflects the diversity and disunity of the country.
No wonder, PNG is described as a country with so many countries in it.
Look at well-developed countries, they speak one language and share common interests, which is to work and ensure the prosperity of their countries.
They don’t speak and work for the development of their ethnic group, province or region.
PNG’s cultural diversity and language differences is unique and can be developed to generate revenue for the country, but crime and ethnic clashes are getting worse.
This won’t help the country meet its tourism objectives.
Leaders should consider these problems:

  • CORRUPTION has destroyed many citizens and organisations.
    Corruption is deeply rooted in our systems that it will take time to uproot.
    Candidates contesting the elections should have strategic to fight corruption;
  • THE Government is increasing income tax and value added tax (VAT) to repay its debts and this is killing the citizens;
  • SO many grade 12 are missing out on opportunities to continue their education because there are limited spaces in tertiary institutions.
    The is a very serious issue for the country. Productive and young citizens are on the streets in search of opportunities;
  • FOREIGNERS are taking over businesses in the country.
    Almost all the reserved businesses preserved for locals are taken over by them; and,
  • THE polices and environment are not friendly for small-medium enterprises to thrive.
    Our diversity, although unique and attractive, is an hindrance.
    This is why creating autonomies should be encouraged by the next government after this year’s general election.
    People are becoming victims of decisions and actions of a few political leaders.

POKawage,
Bugandi Nem