Opposition vital for good governance

Letters

Opposition is fundamental to democracy.
A strong and vibrant opposition guides and redirects the government to ensure it doesn’t slip.
The function of the opposition is to protect the constitution and oversee the overall conduct of the government.
It ensures the government adheres to rules and deliver within the prospects of the law.
As a democratic country, how do we measure our opposition’s caliber?
What type of mechanisms are in place and how do we know that the opposition is playing an important role by holding the government in check?
What are some of the evidence that show that the government is retuning its priorities after heeding calls from the opposition?
Many times we have an opinion that opposition is just playing politics.
So, we need to come up with indicators to ensure the opposition is truly doing its job and the government is adhering to its calls.
A government openly accepting corrective measures from the opposition and putting them into practise on how to run the country can be a way to prove that the opposition is effectively doing its job without fear or favour.
From this point of view, do we see this practice happening right now?
What are some of the indicators that prove to us that the government is transparent by accepting corrective measures?
Does the government take heed of the opposition calls and readjust its conduct or reluctant and ignorant? Government accepting corrective measures must be visible.
Transparent conduct will also mean to us that the opposition is effectively holding the government on its toes.
Ignorance sometimes forces the opposition to seek justice through the courts for constitutional interpretation on certain references.
Apart from party policy directives, self-philosophy also prevents important calls making opposition ineffective and weak.
Many leaders come up with their own ways of thinking resulting in conflict of interest.
We need honest and transparent mutual respect from both sides of the house in such a way that they adopt information, analyse and implement.
Bipartisan approach on the floor of parliament encourages good governance to promote a healthy democratic society and this is very important to a young nation such as PNG.
The opposition plays a very important role.

Hanam Bill Sandu,
Critical observer,
Wewak Island LLG