Women candidates get training in parliament practices

​Representatives from the PNG Government, the United Nations and the National Parliament came together to welcome female candidates in the opening ceremony of the 2017 National Practice Parliament for women program.

Fifty candidates who intend to run in the 2017 National Elections have been selected for a five day program from March 7-11, which is now in the second year.

Participants will be trained in critical national policy issues, parliamentary processes and campaign strategies.

Registrar for Political Parties, Dr Alfonse Gelu says the role of an MP is very important and deserves their attention.

Gelu commended the participants for their participation in the Practice Parliament activity to prepare themselves on how to become politicians.

“Individuals who make it into parliament come from different backgrounds, but many just don’t know how our parliamentary systems work,” he says.

He adds that to be an effective representative of their people, there are two important things that they must know of.

“First is the National Constitution and second are the roles and responsibilities of the Parliament and its operations.”

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator, Koffi Kouame says the practice parliament activity is designed to showcase the ability of women to participate in the political life of PNG.

“This activity is special because it gives each of the participants the opportunity to show the nation what they can do when they are given the chance to stand up in a parliamentary setting and debate public policies and legislation,” he states.

Acting Clerk of Parliament, Kala Aufa, welcomed the participants, encouraging them to draw on his teams experience to learn more about how to be effective and ethical MP’s.

The Practice Parliament for Women is organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in coordination with Office of Integrity of Political Parties, the National Parliament and Department of Community Development and Religion.

UNDP acknowledges the generosity of support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Italian Government as well as Gateway Hotel and Air Niugini for their official sponsorship.

 

Author: 
Annette Kora