CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE
of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
P.O. Box 398, Waigani, NCD, Papua New Guinea
Ph: (675) 325 9577; Fax: (675) 323 2551
Email: cbcgensec@catholic.org.pgStatement on 2012 PNG election
The vocations of politician and parliamentarian are noble callings in the service of the common good. The church presents the example of the English politician, saint and martyr, Thomas More, to those called to this form of service. St Thomas More always placed his conscience and the long term benefit of society above any short term political advantage, even above saving his own life. The work of politicians and parliamentarians can be of great benefit to society, especially by the development of good legislation and policies that express a genuine concern for the needs of the weakest members of society.
The CBC believes that the famous "slush funds," funds available to a member of parliament for distribution at his or her discretion, detract from the dignity of the office of a member of parliament and prevent the fulfillment of authentic political service.
CBC has issued many statements protesting about the means by which the national government funds of PNG are distributed through members of parliament. This system is open to much abuse and the potential for corruption, especially by diverting these funds to prestige projects or even directly as cash handouts to supporters. Our daily newspapers are constantly reporting such cases and the degree of waste and dissatisfaction associated with this method of development funding. Although apparently legal, we believe that it is a corrupt system which contributes to the nature of corruption in PNG as "systemic and systematic" (as stated by Sir Mekere Morauta) and "endemic" (as stated by Acting Prime Minister Sam Abal). (Corruption is the use of one's position or office to obtain personal benefit.)
As the 2012 election approaches we see early signs of these very abuses and fear that a great deal of the wealth of the nation will be wasted in electioneering rather than being used for real prioritized and sustainable development.
And so we renew our appeal to our parliament to cease this totally inefficient system of allocating development funds to members of parliament to distribute. The system places an intolerable burden on the parliamentarian. The system is a direct cause of a great deal of election related violence. Parliamentarians have complained to us of the pressure they feel to give handouts to supporters. We want to assure our parliamentarians that the leaders of the Catholic Church do NOT ask for or expect any handouts.
We will always cooperate with our duly elected parliamentarians in the service of the common good, especially through health, education, and other social services. As usual we will cooperate with the PNG Electoral Commission in promoting voter awareness through our Caritas PNG election awareness program and in other ways. But we will not cooperate with members of parliament (or other candidates) who wish to use the Catholic Church to distribute funds for campaign rather than development purposes. Our facilities and institutions are not available for vote buying handouts. Our pastoral coworkers are not permitted to accept or manage such funds, to be a candidate, or to work for a candidate while simultaneously holding an office in the church.
We appeal to our members of parliament to live up to their noble calling and to use any funds available to them by the nature of their office exclusively for the long term benefit of all the people in their electorate, and for the good of the nation as a whole.
Authorised by:
Archbishop John Ribat, MSC
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
May 9, 2011
Contact: Bishop Rochus Tatamai msc,
Diocese of Bereina, P.O.Box 300, Boroko, NCD
Email: rjtatamai@online.net.pg
Email: zmlak56@gmail.com
