GOVERNOR JUFFA CAUTIONS MOVE TO AUTHORIZE DIRECT VOTING OF PRIME MINISTER

BY NIGEL MADO

NORTHERN Governor Garry Juffa has warned that the proposal to allow Papua New Guineans to directly elect the Prime Minister could open the door to powerful vested interests manipulating the nation’s democratic system for their own gain.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during the Debate on the Review of the Constitutional Law Reform Commission’s (CLRC) report, Governor Juffa said that while the idea of empowering the people to choose their national leader “sounds like a great idea,” it comes with significant risks if the proper safeguards are not in place.

He cautioned that “insidious, powerful forces” could hijack the process and install leaders who serve private or foreign agendas rather than the interests of the people.

Giving examples from other “major powers”, Governor Juffa said even some of the world’s “powerful democracies” are heavily influenced by economic elites who control outcomes behind the scenes.

He said the challenge now lies in designing a system that strengthens democracy without creating opportunities for corruption and undue influence.

The Northern Governor urged all members and the CLRC to think carefully about accountability mechanisms, campaign financing rules, and the transparency of political funding before implementing any constitutional changes.