We must do what is right

People’s democratic rights have been taken over by dogmatic approaches in some parts of the country.
These rights have been deprived and manipulated in some parts of our country during this election with people voting on someone else’s behalf, people still being allowed to vote despite not being on the common roll and underage voting.
There’s also been ballot papers and boxes hijacked, use of firearms, transportation of large sums of cash, candidates and supporters openly dishing out money to factions of people who have very little regard for security personnel or authority.
And we’ve also had people who lodged reports about these incidents were threatened and warned not to proceed with their complaints.
These unlawful practices undermine voters’ legal rights and freedoms to elect a leader they choose.
Leaders and Members elected as a result of these dirty tactics are not worthy to hold a public office that is dedicated to service.
However, it has been smooth sailing in some parts of the Highlands and the coastal provinces.
This indicates that the people in these electorates and provinces are matured in thinking and understand what an election all about.
They know and accept their responsibilities as a voter.
At the national level, people in these peaceful provinces should be proud of themselves for showing such maturity.
We are about to celebrate 50 years of independence so in every matter concerning our families, tribes, LLGs, districts, provinces, regions and even the country, we must have the right mindset, skills, attitudes and behaviours.
We are subject to good or bad scenarios but we have to develop a culture of rejecting negativity and always try our best to practice what is right.

Jack Anis Kukiwa
Lae