18 Apr 2006

Catholic archbishop in PNG says its vital more women get into parliament

8:15 pm on 18 April 2006

The Catholic Archbishop for Papua New Guinea, Sir Brian Barnes, says it's important that more women are elected to parliament in the 2007 general elections.

Archbishop Barnes says there is only one woman MP, but there are many more who are also qualified to be elected.

And he says with the new limited preferential system of voting, that's certainly achievable.

Archbishop Barnes says the previous first past the post system made it difficult for women to be elected.

And, he says women candidates have previously had to face a number of hurdles.

"there would be obstacles because men see things there way - that's the main one - the main hurdle to overcome - men too are inclined to put pressure on women to vote for one of their choices - the man's choice - and women are forced in many cases to fall into line."

Sir Brian says women should be allowed their right to vote freely.