Ongoing Crisis in PNG Places Upcoming Elections in Danger

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Background

Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen, is seeking legal advice amidst pressure from MPs to delay PNG’s upcoming elections this June. This comes despite Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s assurance that elections will proceed on time, in a safe and fair manner. The possibility of deferred elections and the widening divide within the PNG Government are increasing the threat of a violent election period. The country has been in increased turmoil since the failed mutiny attempt in January.

Comment

The 23 June polling commencement date has not changed after emergency meetings between the National Executive Council and the Electoral Commission in mid-April. The issuing of writs, however, has been pushed back three weeks to address concerns that the roll will not be ready. Despite this setback, Mr Trawen is adamant that the elections will proceed on time.

The bid to defer the elections has been met with public outcry and calls that the move is unconstitutional. PNG’s constitution requires strict five-year parliamentary terms and gives MPs the power to call early elections, but not defer them. 

The PNG Constitution has recently been subject to criticism after the Supreme Court ruled that Mr O’Neill’s takeover as PM last year was unlawful. Both Peter O’Neill and Sir Michael Somare believed they were the legitimate government. Now, under O’Neill’s leadership, the government has passed a Bill that restricts the powers of the Supreme Court. Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah emphatically argued that the courts had given themselves too much power.  He blames the judges for what he admits is now a constitutional crisis. Critics of the bill argue that the crisis lies in the stripping of the court’s power.

The division within the government is also playing out within the police force. Police Commissioner, Tom Kulunga commented this week that politicians were splitting the force for their own ends. Mr Kulunga believes officers, funded by politicians, are acting outside of his command and control. This comes after police attacked each other in the capital, Port Moresby, last week. The civil unrest follows the failed mutiny attempt in January this year. As 23 June approaches, the violence is likely to increase, threatening attempts at a free and fair election.

Australian Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, has urged the PNG Government to hold elections on time and in accordance with the constitution. According to Mr Carr, the security and integrity of the elections relies on their timing. He warned that a delay would be particularly dangerous during this time of political turmoil. In support, the Australian Defence Force will supply two helicopters during the elections. Mr Carr retracted his earlier comments that threatened to apply sanctions should the elections not take place on time.

Australia’s concern is to prevent a repeat of the 2002 elections, which were flawed through violence. A free and fair election is needed to bring stability to PNG and the region.  These elections are particularly important, as PNG is on the cusp of a resource boom. The huge inflow of revenue could bring much-needed development to some of the poorest people on earth. There will be little change if the elections are won through excessive violence, and the instability will only worsen.

James Ball

Research Assistant

Northern Australia/ Energy Security Research Programme

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