PNGBLOGS

by DAVID LEPI In a recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said Papua New Guinea can become a food supplier to the world with its abundance of land and sea. Nothing would have been wrong with this statement had only Marape invested in the technology and resources that had remarkably turned the scorched deserts of Isreal's countryside into the world's food bowl or Isreal a global leader in agriculture and water. Marape’s verbal buckshot with no meaning is no different to Idi Amin's idiotic proclamation of himself as Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea, and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General. Verbal diarrhoea, which satirist call it loose-stooled effluent. Marape thinks he is saying or doing the right things and is smiling eagerly in the cameras but his jester of saying things off the cuff, impromptu and without thinking through is becoming legendary and is producing gales of laughter a

by Nelson Wandi The persistent issues in Papua New Guinea's elections are well-known to its citizens. Every election cycle, the same problems recur, deeply rooted in the country's culture and practices. Political observers, local elites, and anti-corruption activists continue to investigate and expose corrupt practices, but the situation remains dire. International organizations, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG), have been actively gathering reports on corruption during elections. TIPNG's reports indicate rampant corruption, with PNG failing to meet the satisfactory levels set by UNCAC. Corruption in PNG is not just a top-level government issue but starts at the grassroots and permeates up through the structure. High-ranking government officials often engage in corrupt practices like the wantok system, bribery, vote buying, and manipulating the election process. This influences those at

In the realm of national politics, there was a time when John Pundari was a prominent figure. During this period, Peter Ipatas emerged as a significant player, leveraging his influence in Enga's political scene. He orchestrated a strategic move against Pundari, particularly notable in 2002. Pundari, serving as the Speaker, found himself at a political crossroads when Ipatas perceived a potential defeat at Pundari's hands.  In a controversial maneuver, Ipatas allegedly influenced certain actions involving Jeffery Balakau's supporters, leading to the destruction of crucial vote-containing containers at the Wabag Police Station. With these efforts, Pundari lost a substantial number of votes from regions like Surinki, Laiagam, Kandep, and Pogera, losing to the cheater Ipatas. Ipatas's political tactics didn't end there; he later collaborated with Peter O'Neill and the PNC to undermine Don Polye's leadership. This partnership was seen as a strategic move to conso

  by  DAVID LEPI In the realm of political discourse, especially on social media platforms, the travel habits of Prime Minister James Marape have sparked a fiery debate. His latest expedition, a journey to San Francisco for the APEC Economic Leaders meeting from November 11-17, 2023, is no exception. This trip, like others, involves an extended entourage, raising questions about the necessity and implications of such frequent overseas engagements. The role of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in forums like APEC cannot be understated, especially considering the country's dire need for foreign direct investment amidst looming budget constraints and the impending vote of no confidence. Full representation in these international forums seems imperative. However, this brings us to the question of the Prime Minister's travel prerogatives. Indeed, as the leader of the nation, travel is part and parcel of the job, with a designated budget for such engagements. Yet, the issue transcends mere budg

by KAPEMA KORU The US-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is a pivotal arrangement that demands an understanding of the broader geopolitical landscape. Papua New Guinea (PNG), strategically located in a region of growing significance, must navigate through a complex matrix of national security, regional stability, and international relations. The DCA with the United States is a critical piece in this intricate puzzle, reflecting the need to balance diverse and sometimes conflicting interests. Criticism of the DCA often arises from a perceived disregard for public opinion in PNG. However, while public sentiment is vital in a democratic setup, the underpinnings of defence pacts often involve multi-layered considerations. These include addressing security threats, regional alliances, and long-term national interests, which may not always be transparent or understandable to the general public, yet are instrumental in shaping such agreements. Re-evaluating the DCA involves a careful ana

  6 Constitutional Sins of Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai: An Analysis of 2022 PNG Elections By A Concerned Papua New Guinean The 2022 Papua New Guinea elections were marred by violence and ill-preparation, casting a shadow over the constitutional integrity of the electoral process. The role of the Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai, has come under scrutiny, with allegations of significant constitutional breaches. This analysis aims to unravel the complexities and implications of these purported missteps. 1. Late Appointment of Electoral Officials Sinai's decision to appoint Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) at the last minute proved detrimental. ROs, responsible for tasks such as validating and updating common rolls, were appointed too late, receiving training only on the eve of voting. This delay likely compromised their ability to manage the elections effectively. 2. Mismanagement of Opening of Writs The extension of the Opening of Writs, foll

by PAUL R. TAGALU The PNG LNG Project, envisioned to be a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea's economic advancement, found its architects in Arthur Somare and Kerenga Kua. These men stood at the helm during the project's negotiation phase, a period that was to shape the future economic trajectory of the nation. Arthur Somare, son of PNG's revered leader Sir Michael Somare, held the reins as the Minister for the Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC). With a political legacy to his name but questioned qualifications for the monumental task at hand, Somare found himself in the position to make decisions that would have profound implications for the country's economy. Criticized for his lack of formal education in relevant fields and real-world business acumen, Somare’s decisions during this period are now dissected for their wisdom and long-term impact. At Somare's side was Kerenga Kua, a legal advisor whose expertise would be called upon to navigate the complex