Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) believes the decision by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to defer the Local Level Government (LLG) elections to 2019 is unconstitutional and an assault on democracy in Papua New Guinea.
“The justification that funds set aside for the conduct of the LLG Election need to be used for settling outstanding allowances to Councilors is deplorable,” said Chairman of TIPNG, Lawrence Stephens.
“It indicates that it is the Government’s view that Constitutional Rights can be violated on the basis of poor fiscal management by state agencies.”
TIPNG says the deferral of the LLG elections is a complete breach of statutory and constitutional responsibilities, and is not consistent with the leadership that the people of Papua New Guinea deserve.
The spirit of the constitution, according to Section 34 of the Organic Law on the Provincial and Local Level Government, is that the National and LLG elections should have concurrent terms. Financial matters as outstanding allowances, is an administrative issue and shouldn't be used as an excuse by the government for the delay.
“TIPNG is seriously concerned that such a move to defer the LLG elections sets another bad precedent with disregard for the law being practiced with impunity. The move also denies the people of Papua New Guinea the chance to exercise their democratic right to periodically elect their local level governments.
“The delivery of basic government services to local communities will be disrupted and ordinary citizens will suffer the most if the LLG elections are pushed to April 2019.”
In Wednesday’s Parliament sitting, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the submission to defer the LLG elections is necessary because there are outstanding issues the Government needs to address, and this includes the outstanding allowances for council presidents.
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