Tighten criteria for candidates

PAPUA New Guinea is riddled with institutionalised corruption in nearly all levels of governance.
To put a stop to this at the political level, the Electoral Commission, among other agencies, need to step up and use all the relevant laws to allow only genuine people to contest the elections.
The commission should firstly screen and allow only qualified people to nominate.
This way, the Electoral Commission would be helping the people by giving them good candidates to choose.
This is why it is important for the commission to tighten the criteria for those who want to contest the elections.
The electoral process can be improved this way.
All candidates should undergo intensive screening before being allowed to contest.
One vital requirement which is always overlooked is residential qualification.
The law on residential qualification to contest is a qualified right.
Unqualified people should not be allowed to contest.
This law provides only for people who reside in their province or district for a substantial period of time and consistently provide leadership role in times of crisis, church or youth activities, business or non-government organisations to contest.
While it has been reported that the Electoral Commission will be strict on such matters, making mere statements is not sufficient.
Tough actions should be taken now before nomination opens.
It appears that mostly Port Moresby-based seasonal leaders are the ones who create disharmony and conflict during election periods.
When elections are over, they are usually not around to fix their mess.
Many have left Port Moresby and are now in their districts. The Electoral Commission should monitor and declare such persons unqualified to nominate and contest the elections.
We demand that the commission should address the issue of residential qualification.
Unqualified people should not be allowed to contest.
This is not fair for those who are always with the people providing leadership.

Trupela Leader,
Goroka