PNG Politics: Allan Bird and Bryan Kramer's political parties among others to be deregistered

 Papua New Guinea’s Registrar of Political Parties, Emmanuel Pok, has raised grave concerns over rising corruption and political instability caused by constant party-hopping by Members of Parliament (MPs). He said the country’s democracy is being weakened because MPs are not held accountable to the people or the political parties that supported their election. “Political parties invest a lot of time and resources to have a candidate elected, and it does not help them when MPs move from one party to another,” Pok said, warning that this unchecked movement has eroded public trust and created fertile ground for corruption.

Pok revealed that there are currently 56 registered political parties in PNG, a situation that encourages MPs to switch allegiances whenever it suits their political interests. He said the excessive number of parties has made it difficult to maintain stability, with many alliances collapsing shortly after being formed. “There are too many political parties, and we have to ensure that there can be a few strong ones that will make MPs remain in one party for their five-year term in Parliament,” he said. This lack of political discipline, he added, has not only destabilized the government but also fueled corruption through opportunistic power deals and personal gain.

According to Pok, political parties commit significant financial and logistical resources to help candidates win elections, yet those same leaders often abandon their parties once in power. “Their mandate is given by the political party,” he said, noting that supporters elect MPs not only as individuals but as representatives of a party’s vision. However, the 2010 Supreme Court decision allows MPs to exercise their own conscience and move freely between parties, a legal loophole that Pok says has weakened accountability and opened the door to corruption and backroom deals that betray the people’s trust.

Pok confirmed that amendments to the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) are being prepared to address these ongoing issues. He said the reforms, now before Parliament, aim to strengthen political parties, enhance transparency, and improve PNG’s democratic processes ahead of the 2027 National General Election. “The reforms will help reduce the trend of candidates switching allegiance and undermining political integrity,” he said. “We are working to restore confidence in the system and ensure that elected leaders uphold the principles of good governance and honesty in public service.”

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PNG Politics: Allan Bird and Bryan Kramer's political parties among others to be deregistered