Parkop launches new 'united' party

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

NCD Governor Powes Parkop has launched a new political party, United Democratic Front, that aims to put an end to corruption, weed out the old political culture of power-play and to chart and a new path of change for future generations, The National reports.

The new political party was launched at the Parliament State Function room on Saturday with more than 500 people with K100 registration to become founding members.

The party has been registered with Investment Promotion Authority but the mooted party name that will be confirmed before the elections is Social Democratic Party.

The State Function room was filled with more than 500 people from all walks of life and ethnic groups crammed together knee to knee sitting down to witness the occasion and be a part of the new movement.

Another 100 more were not allowed in because of space limitations and waited outside the main gate.

The registration of 540 people to form the new party also fulfills two requirements of the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) for a minimum of 500 members and K10, 000 registration with the Office of the Registrar.

“On July 23, 2007, we made a break when you elected me as governor which shows your desire for change,” Mr Parkop said, adding that Port Moresby made a loud statement at that time and if Port Moresby could change than PNG would change.

“We need change; we have to put an end to our political culture and leadership culture.”

Mr Parkop said currently, politics was about power play and politics of convenience and gave an example of the Prime Minister announcing to make a reshuffle because some ministers had not performed or were allegedly involved in scandals.

“If Sir Mekere Morauta and Bart Philemon are genuine, they can talk to the Prime Minister and remove and invite the Opposition into Government.”

He said this was not happening and the Opposition was talking to the same ministers facing the axe to move a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

“We have to weed out this old political culture. Parliament is too much about power politics, power-play and politics of convenience.”

He said the message out there now was people want change and the creation of the new party was the vehicle to drive that change.

Mr Parkop said Papua New Guinea was not a poor country and had been abundantly blessed by the Creator.

“Papua New Guineans themselves have to be blame for squandering what the Creator has blessed us with.”

He gave examples of countries that lack resources but have flourished including South Korea and Singapore.

“This country is at the cross roads. We have now the LNG project that will bring in huge money but what are the tangible benefits. That is the biggest challenge.

“Are we going to build a better life and future with all our resources? Are we going to leave a legacy for our children? What will we leave for our next generation?”

Mr Parkop said the country needed good quality leadership who could look after all the wealth and ensure this was invested properly for the future.

He said the country currently had three major problems: leadership, management and attitude.

“We need humble, honest and quality leaders and the time to vote following money is over.

“What we want is a movement, a unity of people to go out and identify new honest, quality leaders into Parliament and this new political party will ensure this happens.”