THE nomination and election process of the governor-general should be removed from parliament and vested in a committee of eminent persons, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said yesterday, The National reports.
He said such a move would maintain the integrity and reputation of the office of the governor-general.
Parkop was commenting on what he termed as “increased politisation of the nomination and election process” of the governor-general.
The Supreme Court, on Dec 10 last year, annulled the reappointment of Sir Paulias Matane and ordered parliament to resume this year to elect a new governor-general.
Nominations for the vice-regal post would open today at 2pm.
“The committee should comprise the prime minister, leader of the opposition, chief ombudsman and the chief justice or their nominees,” Parkop said.
He said the practice of candidates lobbying for support among parliamentarians had also demeaned this high office “where, even MPs, are caught in political affiliations and do not seriously consider the integrity of the process and the office”.
He said by removing the election and appointment process from parliament, “we ensure the process of nomination and election is not compromised by political interest or influences and that the best candidate is appointed based on merit”.
“Alternatively, we should remove the office of the governor-general and have a head of state elected by the people under the presidential system of government,” Parkop suggested.
“Our experiences in the last 35 years, and the lessons to be learnt from the world, shows that the presidential system of government is most preferable and successful.
“It is time
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