Politics changed for the worse

PAPUA New Guinea’s political landscape has gradually changed over time since the early 1980s and continues to evolve.
The scenario has completely changed from the days of late chief minister Michael Somare and the establishment of the first self-government and the first legislative house of assembly.
During the legislative house of assembly days, few educated Papua New Guineans were around but maybe were not interested in politics.
The conducts, interests and aims of those who were voted into office were different as most were brought up in a society where discipline and honesty were emphasised, upheld and practised.
Not many politicians at the time were aware of corruption, bribery, commission, double dipping, give and take as widely practised by today’s generation of politicians.
Those politicians played a clean game of politics when it came to the general election.
The era of clean politics was short-lived.
Around the late 80’s more educated people, who had fair knowledge of politics, played dirty politics in desperate moves to get into power.
From there, politics became a game of the educated elite, businessmen, millionaires and those of higher standing.
It is predicted that this year’s general election will be the worst election, with lives and properties lost in election-related conflict.
Power hungry candidates will self-declare themselves without going through the normal electoral process.
Many will be voted in through the hijacking of ballot papers and voting process where guns and threats will be rampant in most polling booths.
Some candidates will bribe their way in.
Corruption and vote rigging is most likely to happen in the Highlands and maybe a few costal constituencies.
The general election in June is the battle of the titans and tycoons and is expected to be riddled with corruption, foul play and cash handouts.

Paul Minga,
Port Moresby