6 Jun 2012

Former acting PNG prime minister disenchanted with political parties, standing as independent

6:21 pm on 6 June 2012

Papua New Guinea's former acting Prime Minister Sam Abal is to stand as an independent in the election.

The Post Courier reports the son of one of PNG's founding fathers, Sir Tei Abal, saying he has lost faith in the party system because it has created so much chaos and confusion in the country.

Mr Abal, the deputy Opposition Leader under the retiring Dame Carol Kidu, will defend his Wabag Open seat in Enga Province.

The paper reports his decision to run as an independent has shocked many observers and especially his supporters in Wabag.

Mr Abal says there is a major disconnection between political party policy platforms and government's major policy initiatives.