Micah: It's now or never!

By MALUM NALU

Former Kavieng MP Ben Micah says the need for good leadership in Papua New Guinea has never been greater than now.

He said this when officiating at a two-day workshop for intending candidates for the 2012 elections titled ‘Winning strategies for a successful political election campaign’ at Aku Lodge in Boroko, which is also being attended by officials of various political parties and non-government organisations.

“The demand for good leadership is greater than ever before,” Micah said.

“Papua New Guinea has a lot of leadership potential, but there is no leadership.

“The 109 people chosen from the six million people is very critical in the 2012 elections.

“It is critical that they elect men and women who know how to lead.

“Papua New Guinea is looking for transformational leaders.

“We are not focusing on transformational leaders, that’s why the country is entering a serious case of leadership crisis.”

Micah said the current level of leadership was very depressing to him.

“I’m afraid, I’m scared,” he said.

“In the next elections, if the people don’t elect transformational leaders, the country will disintegrate.

“I don’t see a clear future for this country.

“I’m not a prophet of doom, but a realist.

“The Electoral Commission must run a fair and transparent election in 2012.”

The workshop, which has attracted intending candidates, political parties and non government organizations, continues today.

Topics discussed today included election strategy development process, pre-election preparation, assessing readiness to contest for public office, analysis of voting trends, and networking.

Tomorrow’s topics include maximising the power of words, communication methods, designing a winning strategy and implementation plan, and running a successful election campaign, before closure by NCD Governor Powes Parkop.

It is being facilitated by former Institute of National Affairs and Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council staffer John Varey.