Political candidates have the constitutional right to discuss the economy of the country, says a party leader.
PNG National Party Leader and Member for Sinasina-Yongomugl, Kerenga Kua, dismissed the views expressed last month by the Bank of PNG Governor, Loi Bakani, that political candidates should refrain from commenting on the economy.
“Freedom of expression is a Constitutional right and the performance of the economy remains of paramount concern to the people of Papua New Guinea and for my Party,” Kua said.
“This, together with the performance of the Government and indeed of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, occupies a central position in the election debates.
“The well and oft travelled Central Bank Governor surely understands that the economy takes centre position in elections around the world and PNG is no different.”
Bakani told Loop PNG early this month that he will not respond to any political statement during the election period.