1. UNRAVELLING THE THREADS OF VIOLENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2022 NATIONAL GENERAL ELECTION VIOLENCE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
- Author
-
SALI, GARRY
- Subjects
ELECTIONS ,VIOLENCE ,LEGISLATIVE reform ,BRIBERY ,VOTER turnout ,GOVERNMENT executives ,THREAD ,BUREAUCRACY - Abstract
This paper examines the violence during the Papua New Guinea 2022 National General Election (2022 NGE). The 2022 NGE has been described by notable observers as the most compromised election since Independence, marked by numerous reported cases of hijacking, bribery, corruption, and aggressive violence across the country, particularly in certain parts of the Highlands region. This analysis is founded on anecdotal evidence from newspapers, current available literature, and personal experiences as a citizen of the country. The paper asserts that the causes of election violence are intricately woven into the socio-economic, political, and bureaucratic operational structure of the nation. It concludes that Papua New Guinea's democracy will remain seriously imperilled by violence unless socio-economic structural issues are addressed and the roles and functions of the Electoral Commission are redefined to ensure that the 2027 and subsequent elections can be conducted peacefully. The paper also concludes that the roles of the Legislature and Executive branches of Government need redefinition and streamlining through legislative reform to prevent one branch from interfering with the function of the other. If implemented correctly, this can curtail the escalating election violence in Papua New Guinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024