Move to defer polls a sign of dictatorship

IT was an amazing thing in the country’s political history to have the number two boss, Belden Namah, telling the prime minister to defer the ge­neral election for 12 months.
To us, the ordinary citizens, it is a weird request to put aside the rule of law and the Constitution for a political favour.
The Constitution was drafted by the fathers of our nation through time, hard work and sacrifice so that all arms and functions of the government are re­gulated by it.
In the Constitution, it is clearly stated that the writs be issued two months prior to the na­tional election.
MPs are also given up
to five years to represent the people  in every parliament.
They need to perform their mandated tasks within that time frame, no more or less.
MPs, whether in the government or opposition camps, should not produce petty reasons for their self-centred gains.
The deputy prime mi­nister claims that the go­vernment needs more time to fully implement its policies.
With that, Namah then promised O’Neill that he would ensure that the prime minister is re-elected if he complies with the request.
One reason for backing his request is resources, not support from the Constitution.
Supporting someone with re­sources to tamper with constitutional procedures is baseless and un­called for.
It may seem sweet for Namah and his colleagues but for us, the humble people who have our trust and confidence vested in the Constitution and demo­cracy, this request has a sour taste to it.
This request shows signs of a new dawn of dictatorship.
The country’s demo­cracy and Constitution have already been trampled upon by power-hungry leaders.
The Electoral Commission, as a legal government body, must proceed with its task.
PNG Electoral Commission chief Andrew Trawen should execute the election proceedings as per schedule under the gui­dance of the Constitution.

Peraka Dusto
Port Moresby