26 Feb 2008

Call for more transparency in PNG

3:15 pm on 26 February 2008

A Papua New Guinea research group says the country needs more transparency and accountability.

The Institute of National Affairs is responding to a call made by MP Francis Awesa who wants to fresh elections saying there's no debate in parliament.

The government secured a crushing majority following last year's election.

The institute's director, Paul Barker, agrees that there are problems.

"Although there're some able people in the opposition, they do not get much of an opportunity to have their voices heard and parliament does seem to fix things up or the executive government seems to determine events without much wider consultation."

Paul Barker says more transparency among politicians and less corruption would be the first two steps to address the problem.