Our PM must be competent,capable

COMPETENCY and capacity levels are basic fundamentals that necessitate the appointment of top bureaucrats, ordinary office holders, paper pushers and even the highest office in PNG, the office of the Prime Minister.
PNG’s 11th Parliament must be decisive, fair, equal and sensitive in their efforts to effectively and efficiently manage this country economically, socially and politically.
The country is experiencing the worst ever national election to date due to ill-preparation by authorities in charge of executing it.
This has caused chaos in almost every electorate in Papua New Guinea.
The creation of ward councils and electorates at the 11th hour without proper planning and vetting processes has contributed directly to confusion amongst the poor citizens of this beautiful land of ours.
The actions taken by the Government in the last three years is subjected to political overtures, implications and selfish motives of retaining power.
The Government should have appointed a competent electoral commissioner to seek funding some two or three years prior to the General Election 2022 (GE22).
The funding can be itemised into appointments and training of competent and neutral polling officials, payment of outstanding money to service providers for GE17, and the electoral commission’s capacity enhancement programmes.
If the PM has a heart for the eight million-plus people of this country, he should have made those funds available earlier.
This would have given ample time for the electoral commissioner, police commissioner, correctional service commissioner, and the commander of the PNGDF to realistically plan their operations on a fixed budget.
The actions taken by the preceding government has contributed directly to the chaos, confusion and tension the country is experiencing now.
PNG must not be influenced by political propaganda and lip service.
An honest and fair review of the Government’s performance over the last three years must be done.
Self-interest, a hunger for power and greed are variables that culminated in the meagre preparations of the GE22.
Therefore, this is an appeal to the MPs-elect of the declared seats to consider the welfare of the nation first before taking sides to form the new government.
The PM’s seat is not the birthright of any one person.
Please consider if s/he is competent and capable of leading this nation without political fear or favour and is economically savvy to take this country out of the current economic turmoil.

Charlie Ben
Via email