Get independent advice from the experts

I AGREE with Paul Barker of the Institute of National Affairs in his article “Deferral rests with election chief” (The National, April 10), which was very constructive for PNG in such crucial times.
If our politicians, including the prime minister, were to read the Constitution themselves instead of having it interpreted, they would save time and money in solving issues and be able to put an end to the aftermaths of unwise decisions.
I am not a lawyer but given the clear interpretation of section 246 of the Constitution by Barker, I believe all ordinary Papua New Guineans are able to understand it. 
The electoral commissioner, not parliament, has the power to defer the general election for up to two months in the event of a genuine emergency.
Beyond the two months, short deferrals are allowed, with parliament’s endorsement based on specific emergency reasons.
If the O’Neill-Namah regime thinks that PNG needs time to rectify the electoral records, then it should notify the office of Electoral Commissioner Andrew Tra­wen to request for a deferral.
During the two months, technical experts could be engaged by the Electoral Commission to rectify and complete the job.
The majority of Papua New Guineans, including investors, would be happy and satisfied if the above procedures are followed for the good of upholding the Constitution.
All PNG politicians, including senior bureaucrats and elites, should take important independent advice from expert bodies such as the Institute of National Affairs and the National Research Institute since their views are based on comprehensive research work.
Such bodies could provide better advice on how to translate the much-anticipated economic growth of PNG from the LNG projects into more tangible developments such as overhead bridges and international standard roads and highways. 

Nelson Atip Nema
Port Moresby