Supporting Political Parties in the PNG Parliament
As part of CDI's recent Paliamentary Induction Program for the Papua New Guinea national parliament, a special session was held on the role of political parties. As a service to the many newly-elected members of the parliament, the session focussed on issues of political party structure and development as part of a broader discussion on the role and responsibilities of parties in parliament. CDI consultant Kevin Rozzoli, a former Speaker of the New South Wales parliament and member of the Liberal Party, discussed issues of party discipline, policy development, and other challenges facing parties in new democracies. A particular focus of his discussion was the role of opposition in a Westminster system and the way in which collective party action was an important component of a responsible opposition party.
The other focus of the political party session was on the rules and procedures facing PNG parties under the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC), which sets stringent conditions on party organisation and behaviour in parliament. Leading this session was Mr Paul Bengo, the OLIPPAC Commissioner, who explained to the assembled PNG parliamentarians their rights and obligations under the law, which includes restrictions the ability of parties to change their positions on confidence votes and key pieces of legislation. These discussion improved members knowledge of both their legal responsibilities and also the broader challenge of building cohesive and functioning political parties in the challenging environment of Papua New Guinea.
