How to resolve the impasse?‏

By Paul Oates

Papua New Guinea - Why is there a Political Dilemma?

How to resolve this current impasse? Therein lies the contrast between western thinking and Melanesian culture. Whenever this sort impasse happened in the past in other countries, they often had a civil war. King vs Parliament in Britain, Southern States vs Northern States in the US, King vs people in France, etc.

The Melanesian approach is to either have a battle or to sit down and sort it out. Normally a ‘talkfest’ would work where the clans and villages have the time to argue the toss backwards and forwards and after a great deal of oratory, both sides could feel vindicated with the result and exchange food and presents.

The difference at the moment is the outcome of any decision. If Somare wins, all that went on before (look at the line up of Somare’s new ‘Ministers’), will be reinstated and all that has started to be done with the O’Neill government will be scrapped.

The police cannot serve two masters and neither can the populace. To have a government of popular unity might have been a proposal in the past however too much has now been uncovered that should not and cannot be concealed. The door has been opened on the facts of just how the Somare government was performing prior to O’Neill taking over.

SABL’s incorrectly approved, government funds diverted into foreign bank accounts, etc. These must be fully investigated for there to be any hope of justice being done for the PNG people. Those responsible for these previous illegal activities will undoubtedly move to have their ‘peccadilloes’ concealed at the first chance they get. Why wouldn’t they if they are allowed back into power. That’s the number one issue that must be addressed.

All else could be settled by traditional Melanesian custom. National fraud, malfeance and downright theft cannot. If issue is where the problem should be sorted out and who should preside, surely Somare and his team appointed the Speaker and enjoyed the power and privileges of Parliament by doing so.

Politics can build relationships first and create foes or vise versa. The photo depicts Somare and Oniel during happier times!

Why is it he will now not abide by decision of the very person he put into power? Why isn’t the floor of PNG’s Parliament appropriate and sufficient to resolve the issue in the Melanesian manner? There is only one reason; Somare won’t abide by any decision that is made in that particular forum albeit that he was for many years, previously quite happy with the status quo?

That’s before it went against him. The Governor General is quite correct. The PNG's Parliament is the proper place to sort this out in true Melanesian manner. Sir Michael Somare, are you really the father of the nation and and a Grand Chief? Here is your chance to be remembered in history for putting your nation before yourself. Which is it to be? Your country or yourself?