Madang voters learn functions of political parties before joining

By DOROTHY MARK
THE Madang public was given a chance to assess political party policies and join as members yesterday.
The Tusbab Provincial Secondary School hall was packed with political party representatives, supporters and the public during the one-day political parties expo conducted by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission led by the Registrar of Political Parties Dr Alphonse Gelu.
Gelu said the purpose of the expo was to allow people at district and village levels to know the functions of political parties and join as members of the parties they chose.
“It’s our people who empower political parties,” he said.
Gelu said political parties formed the government where decisions were made to run the country
“So we want to branch out to our people as far as the district and village levels to know the political parties,” he said.
Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission legal officer Kennedy Pais said there were 45 registered political parties with the People’s Congress Party and National Alliance running the government show.
Pais said the National Alliance had a proven record of having the best strategies, more branches and very effective network.
He said PNC had the network and turned in more MPs in last year’s national election.