| Original Message |
DeCay
Posted May 25, 2004 3:06 PM
I am impressed at the different but constructive contributions from everybody who have contributed to this discussion. Keep it up!!
I must say that I like the idea of Federalism PNG style, but I have my own ideals about it and will talk about it later after I hear from others.
To be truthful, I want to prolong this interesting 'kibung' by suggesting some questions that I hope will attract other scapers to contribute their thoughts....
* Even if we adopted a new system like federalism, what guarantee is there that people will follow all the rules and procedures of electing a legitimate government? What guarantee is there that the new system will help the people and not people helping themselves using their positions as is the case currently.
* What kind of voting system will be used, that is culturally and socially appropriate?
I am suggesting these questions in the wake of the 2002 elections where a polling booth in one of the Highlands provinces went totally off the mark!! In other words, there was no 'free and fair' election in that polling booth. If you have the means to, please see the video "Papua New Guinea: Pigs and Politics" (2002). This is a recording from the 'A Current Affair' TV program (Broadcase date: 31/7/02).
MN, you raised a point about not being interested in politics and elections. I think that needs a bit of reconsideration because as we all know - in the popular sense or widely-accepted use of the of the word - a legitimate government is only legitimate when it has the acceptance of the masses. Federalism is founded on principles of democracy and political participation by the masses. In a democratic system this means that legitimacy is acquired through the ballot box, so to speak. That is why it is essential that we consider voting and elections as an indispensable element of governance.
^..^
PS: Toksave blong Exile: Tokim ol meri Kurum noken put skin tumas long ol boi blong Gaubin Skul of Nursing...he he he. |
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