By GINNAH MINI
The Bishops of Catholic Bishop Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have raised concerns about the upcoming 2027 National General Election as to how prepared is the nation for the election.
As the Catholic Church is in the country to serve the people, the bishops note that the topic is not only a political matter, but a matter of morality.
Speaking at the press conference, the Most Reverend Rozario Menezes, Bishop of Diocese of Lae and President of Bishops Conference noted that in the process of electing the leaders in the national election, it affects the people’s well-being, stability and the future of the country.
Bishop Rozario urged the citizens of Papua New Guinea for the upcoming election to choose their leaders freely, and wisely as the consequences of not doing that will result in putting the country in risk.
“We have celebrated 50 years of our independence and especially in the last three elections, we had serious problems,” Bishop Rozario said.
Bishop Rozario noted that in the 2012, 2017 and 2022 elections, there were petitions after every election which raised concerns in the Catholic Church.
He stated the reasons the candidates are going to court straight after election as: allegation of bribery, ballot boxes being hijacked, illegal declaration, counting irregularities, administrative failure from the part of the Electoral Eommission and violence.
Bishop Rozario said that from previous election experience, there were issues with unfair election for the citizen, and logistical failure for the officers working in the election.
“What we (Bishops of Catholic Church) want the government to do is prepare properly and give us a feeling that we are conducting an election where people can go and vote consciously, wisely, and choose the leaders,” Bishop Rozario said.
“Allow us (citizens) to choose you (candidates), don’t force yourself to be elected but you tell us what you will do for our country and allow the people to choose you.”
The Catholic Church is involved in the General Election through its Caritas Papua New Guinea (CPNG) Program which focuses on creating awareness on individuals’ rights and responsibilities among women and youth.
The Catholic Bishops urged the citizens to vote candidates who they believe will bring services to their communities rather than voting through bribery and wantok system.