Money influencing politics

WE yearn for good people – ethically and morally upright – to be at the helm of authority to lead us but often we find ourselves led by those that are not.
It is because money dictates our political culture.
Gone are the days of nation of ideals and patriotism.
These days, money influences and shapes political competition.
He who has money wields considerable power and influence.
It often plays out that good people do not have the money or do not participate in this “money = power” game.
This would explain good prime ministerial prospects as Dr Allan Marat, Gary Juffa, Allan Bird, to name a few, who do not easily attract the numbers.
As in the movie The Good, the Bad and Ugly, the bad and the ugly are always prepared to go great lengths and burn millions to either usurp and/or retain power.
Who could match the combined wealth of the provincial governments of Southern Highlands, Hela and Enga when they choose to dismantle or form a government?
It would be a one-sided affair.
Unfortunately, that is the sad reality.
Money is ubiquitous in politics.
The formation of governments, election campaigns, political parties and interest groups depend heavily on money.
And that essentially opens the way for donations.
Individuals, businesses and large corporations chip in money for a common goal.
Politicians then owe it to the donor or donors to pull strings.
The political culture we have is entrenched in financing political competition putting at risk key values of democracy.
We must look at ways to improve the system of government and move away from the negative effect of money in politics.

David Lepi