People need to change: Official

THE country will continue to resort to violence and abuse the democratic process unless the people change, an official says.
Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) representative Bugave Kada said this at a press conference with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IEFS) in Port Moresby last week.
“We are saddened to hear, to read and see what is happening throughout the country because we have formed an alliance prior to the General Election 2022 (GE22) to promote free, fair and peaceful elections,” he said.
Kada said this as IEFS and leaders from churches, non-government organisations and social and professional groups stood together to condemn the burning of ballots boxes and papers, destruction of schools and other violence following the GE22.
He said the country would not change if people continued to disrespect the democratic process.
“Unless we do not change, the country will continue to resort to violence and abuse the democratic process and affect the lives of women and children, and other minority groups such as people living with a disability in the community,” he said.
According to IFES, in some regions, sadly there was evidence of people’s votes being burned and homes and schools going up in flames.
“The dreams of a future for the children have gone up in flames,” its statement said.
“Voters’ voices who also went up in flames.”

New strategies a must for elections, church head says

THE Government must design strategies to conduct elections in the future to avoid dangerous trend of bad politics, Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG head bishop Rev Dr Jack Urame says.
Urame said the country must prevent this destructive trend by acting together in order to maintain our democracy, prosperity, progress and peace.
Speaking on the violence, destruction of properties, security issues and many more issues faced during General Election 2022, Urame said it was everyone’s collective responsibility to change the mindset of our people and encourage positive behaviour which could contribute to the common good of society.
“To avoid the dangerous trend of bad politics, especially during elections, the government must design new strategies to conduct elections in the future,” he said.
“The civil society must uphold the rule of law and respect the democracy of the country during elections.
“The young generation must change their violent behaviour and learn to respect the rights of the citizens during voting.
“Young people intending to contest in election and become leaders must exercise their leadership quality by being responsible and respectful.”
Urame said human rights and democracy were key principles in human society and, therefore, respecting the rights of others and upholding the democracy could contribute a lot to the progress of our country and our wellbeing.
“Where these key principles of human society are missing, there is chaos and suffering, we must learn from our current challenges and act together to do better in future elections to build a better Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Urame said GE22 has been the worst compared to previous ones.
He said he had observed and participated in many general elections but this election was marred with violence and suppression of democracy.

Briefs

Goilala sets deadline
Goilala Open returning officer Theodore Maia says counting for the electorate is expected to be completed tomrrow. Maia said the delay had been caused by the late arrival of 52 ballot boxes. He added that Goilala was the last district in Central to conduct counting. He said the last 10 ballot boxes were moved from the district only on Friday which caused the delay. There are about 86 ballot boxes of which 30 are from Tapini, 34 from Woitape and 22 from Guari local level governments.

Social media concern
INCUMBENT Northern Governor Gary Juffa urges people using social media platforms to be responsible. Juffa made the call when filing a criminal complaint against several suspects who he alleged had breached the Cyber Crime Act in their posts.

EHP police use CCTV
POLICE in Eastern Highlands have been using closed circuit television (CCTVs) and drones to monitor counting for the province’s nine seats at the National Sports Institute. Provincial commander Supt Michael Welly said the use of technology in providing security for General Election 2022 has been successful so far.