Vote of No Confidence Crucial to PNG’s Democracy, Says Governor Bird
Papua New Guinea's East Sepik Governor Allen Bird has raised concerns over the significance of the Vote of No Confidence (VONC), emphasizing its role in preventing the consolidation of power by a single political group or individual.
According to Governor Bird, prolonged tenure in office allows a Prime Minister to manipulate state systems to serve personal interests, leading to an increased risk of corruption. He stated that as a Prime Minister remains in power, mechanisms such as awarding major contracts become skewed in favor of loyal supporters who, in turn, provide financial backing to maintain the leader’s position.
Governor Bird further highlighted that the Prime Minister exercises significant control over key appointments, including the Police Commissioner, the Ombudsman Commissioner, and Cabinet Ministers. He argued that over time, these individuals become aligned with the Prime Minister, ensuring a loyalty-driven governance system where decisions favor the ruling leader.
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| Vote of No Confidence Crucial to PNG’s Democracy, Says Governor Bird [Parliament Photo] |
He also pointed out that the Speaker of Parliament, often nominated by the ruling government, plays a crucial role in controlling parliamentary proceedings. Additionally, he warned that with enough time, a Prime Minister could influence judicial appointments, potentially undermining judicial independence.
Governor Bird stressed that there are limited mechanisms available to curb excessive power, with the Vote of No Confidence being a critical tool. However, he raised concerns that recent amendments to the law have restricted its effectiveness, reducing opportunities to hold governments accountable. He warned that if a Prime Minister remains in office long enough, the possibility of mounting a successful VONC could diminish entirely.
The Governor concluded by stating that public dissent remains the last avenue of accountability beyond governmental control. He cautioned that as state mechanisms increasingly align with the Prime Minister, public resistance may become the sole means of ensuring government transparency and accountability. He urged the country’s intellectual community to reflect on the implications of these developments.
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