Candidates don't hold back as PNG election nears

SBS World News Radio: Papua New Guinea's colourful national election campaign is in its final days.

The country's economy has been lagging since the last election, and basic services have suffered.

When it comes to campaigning in Papua New Guinea, no candidate is holding back, especially when it comes to criticism of the current prime minister, Peter O'Neill.

At a campaign rally, Opposition Leader Don Polye has urged voters not to be fooled by the Prime Minister, or others.

"We must not allow Peter O'Neill and other leaders who are deceptive to fool us and mislead us."

Meanwhile, a veteran of Papua New Guinea politics, former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta, has put his hand up as a candidate.

He is locked in a bitter feud with Mr O'Neill.

"He's a cowboy. He does not know what he's doing. He's a very dangerous man. He's putting PNG's future at risk."

PNG politics has long proven to be a tense affair.

Last year, student protesters called for Peter O'Neill to step down over corruption allegations.

The rally was met with police gunfire.

On the streets of Papua New Guinea's capital, people say they just want the basics.

Port Moresby is the health minister's electorate, and a youth leader in suburban Morata, Newman Timothy, says residents are seeking change.

"So, maybe it looks like we're going to change this Member (of Parliament). Our Member doesn't concern himself about water."

An LNG gas resources boom has not delivered the expected revenues, exacerbating the fact the Government has borrowed heavily for an ambitious infrastructure program.

The PNG Institute of National Affairs' Paul Barker says he is concerned for the country's financial state.

"Okay, the economy's in a dire situation at the moment."

Don Polye, the opposition leader, senses a weakened leader.

"The biggest mistake is breaking off the constitution and the rule of law, and getting massive loans through the bridging of the law."

There are no opinion polls in Papua New Guinea to indicate how the last Government has fared.

If the elections are free and fair, 5 million people will decide the Government's fate when voting starts on June 26.






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