Troubled times in PNG politics

When Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was sick in bed in Singapore, he was voted out and that nearly caused bloodshed in this beautiful country which is blessed with abundant natural resources, 800 languages and 1000 tribes.
In 2011, Papua New Guinea, for the first time in its political history, witnessed a political impasse where we had two PMs, two Defence Force commanders and two police commissioners.
This caused chaos and confusion among the international community and the eight million people of this country.
In 2012, there was a student unrest in University of PNG with the Waigani students demanding the resignation of the prime minister. Properties were damaged and some students were hurt.
The Government used the disciplined forces to discourage street protests, protests to Parliament, etc.
In 2017, there was also history made in PNG politics when 46 MPs sitting in the Opposition formed the “Alliance Group”.
The Alliance pledged to stay united to hold the government accountable, but that did not happen as the team broke apart with members looking for greener pastures on the other side of House.
This Government is not accepted by the people of Papua New Guinea.
In conclusion I’d like to commend Dr Alphonse Gelu, the Register of Political Parties, and secretary Dr Eric Kwa for a job well done in the 2017 general election.
Their awareness programmes educated our people.
The Government should abolish the LPV system and reinstate the “first past the post post” voting system, or an electronic voting system.

Chris Waim Karogol
Ku, Okaimaul Village
Sinasina Yongumugl