Do something about illegal campaigning

EARLY political campaigning is gaining momentum in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
The Electoral Commission did not do anything to put some control measures in place to address this.
The commission needs to be tough on such issues.
Something needs to be done about early campaigning immediately.
Intending candidates are bribing people with pigs, money and beer.
As a result, some people are following intending candidates everywhere.
Can the authorities look into this and do something about it rather than just sitting in their offices and just talk?
Even though the Electoral Commission received funding in millions of kina, it will be impossible to run a successful and corruption-free election.
A successful election, which is a major contributing factor to good governance, depends very much on the Electoral Commission’s awareness campaigns and putting tough laws and imposing heavy penalties on those who breach the laws.
As it is, the bulk of our people live in the rural areas and the commission’s awareness campaigns hardly reach them.
They take elections as coffee, karuka and marita seasons.
They accept bribes from candidates with open arms.
Most people in rural settings are illiterate; they cannot read and understand what is reported in the media.
They cannot understand the content on the Electoral Commission’s information leaflets and banners distributed prior to the elections.
The extensive media campaigns pursued by the commission is a waste of public funds.
The Electoral Commission should engage and deploy personnel from the non-government organisations and churches to every part of the country to disseminate the information directly to the people. This will enable the people to know their rights and participate meaningfully in the elections.
The commission should come up with a good budget for awareness campaigns and kick-start this programme as soon as possible.
Social media can be utilised as well for this exercise as many people can access Facebook and other social media platforms.
The Electoral Commission should provide a hotline number that will enable the people to enquire for information and report illegal activities.
The commission and the police should prosecute and disqualify those engaged in practices that are against the law.
Let us contribute in an effective and efficient election process and pray for good governance after the general election.

Jonathan Dege,
Anti Corruption Activist & Human Rights Defender,Eastern Highlands