Academia Nomad

Bougainville issue: unanswered questions and points of contention

The Bougainville issue was debated on the floor of parliament today. Here is a summary of what I think are the points of contention. This is the most controversial of all: that the referendum results were intended to be non-binding. This provision is captured in both the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the PNG Constitution. FormerContinue reading “Bougainville issue: unanswered questions and points of contention”

Set aside vote of no confidence and respond to Enga disaster: Pomat

I’ve never been a fan of Job Pomat (and for good reason), but what he said today in parliament is what every national leader should say and do in times of disaster. After the prime minister and opposition leader had belatedly spoken about the Enga landslide and offered condolences, Pomat, in Pidgin said something alongContinue reading “Set aside vote of no confidence and respond to Enga disaster: Pomat”

Why the PM nominee should go to Kerenga Kua

Rainbo Paita in a press conference yesterday said he’s still Pangu MP. Allan Bird is an independent after resigning from National Alliance. That leaves Kerenga Kua, a party leader of the PNG National Party and someone whom if nominated by the Opposition as the prime minister candidate, will pass the parliamentary business committee. Remember thatContinue reading “Why the PM nominee should go to Kerenga Kua”

PNG opposition change alternate prime minister candidate

Earlier I wrote about Rainbow Paita, describing the characteristics of PNG politicians that usually become the prime minister during a vote of no confidence. In summary, I said the prime ministers usually emerge from within the ruling coalition, lack principle and integrity, and are able to compromise with competing interests. When I wrote that piece,Continue reading “PNG opposition change alternate prime minister candidate”

Pangu Pati Splits: what happens now?

Pangu Pati MPs travelling to the opposition camp Pangu Pati, the leading coalition partner in the current PNG government has split. My test for a successful government change in PNG is when there is a significant split with the ruling coalition party. This is because the ruling coalition party is usually the biggest party. CurrentlyContinue reading “Pangu Pati Splits: what happens now?”