This year is time to make that change

THE 2017 general elections are just around the corner and it is time to assess our political system and see whether it is functioning or not.
As perceived by the general populace, provinces are suffering from of lack of basic services, development, better living standards, lack of leadership and financial support.
There is a general yielding in the hearts of the people that the government should come up with better options to improve the system we have so that provinces get their equal share.
The power of governance, such as collection of tax, making of appropriate laws and the advancement of social, economic and development agendas should be left to the provinces to take care of without interference from the central system.
It may sound odd but, this is the way forward. Governors who are playing politics in Port Moresby should return to their provinces to provide leadership and governance.
They should also serve a fixed term in office to prevent career politicians and recycled leaders to be part of the system which can be unhealthy.
Corruption and abuse of the system and power by elected leaders are killing our country and the people are already fed up.
There is no guarantee that it will stop so long as everything is centred and controlled in Port Moresby in our weak political system.
Forty-one years of independence is too long for a country like PNG which is so richly blessed with an abundance of natural resources to be shrouded in misery and poverty and lag behind in development and growth.
Assessing and improving our political system and forging correct attitudes of our elected leaders in a suitable political and government environment or system in provinces should be the agenda of the new government after the elections.

John Naneme, Via email