Papua New Guinea: TIPNG urges reason and restraint in wake of adjournment

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) today urges all Papua New Guinean citizens and organisations to exercise clear-headed restraint in the wake of yesterday's controversial decision by Parliament to adjourn until November.

TIPNG acknowledges the frustration felt by many Papua New Guineans over the adjournment of Parliament, and also acknowledges the strong concern of some observers that the adjournment may be in violation of the National Constitution. While sharing these concerns, TIPNG urges all those angry as a result of Parliament's actions yesterday to not allow themselves to be manipulated by anyone encouraging violence or unrest.

TIPNG says that the way to resolve the issue of Parliament's adjournment is firstly through clarifying the situation in relation to legal and constitutional requirements, and then ensuring Parliament adheres to its constitutional obligations. The anti-corruption watchdog says that it is in the best interests of PNG and its democratic institutions that violence is avoided at all costs.

TIPNG is already making every effort to determine the exact particulars of yesterday's events in Parliament and their legality in relation to the Constitution of PNG, Parliamentary Procedures, and relevant laws. TIPNG is seeking advice and expertise from various sources to ensure a clear, reasoned view of the situation is obtained and shared with the nation. TIPNG at all times will provide a reasoned, bipartisan stance and will not be drawn into any action that encourages unrest or flouts legal process and procedure. TIPNG encourages all individuals and organisations to adopt a similar attitude in relation to these events.

Having made these comments TIPNG says that the actions of many Parliamentarians yesterday have disgusted many Papua New Guineans and showed a thorough disrespect for the democratic institutions of PNG. TIPNG says such conduct shows contempt for the responsibility entrusted to Parliamentary leaders, adding that this applies to the poor conduct of both Government and Opposition members. The anti-corruption organisation says that after seven years of stability in Parliament, the turmoil seen yesterday has brought shame on Papua New Guinea in the eyes of its own citizens, its Pacific neighbours, and international partners, investors, and donors.