8 Jun 2011

Former PNG judge castigates politicians' disregard of constitution

1:35 pm on 8 June 2011

A former judge of the National and Supreme Courts in Papua New Guinea says politicians aren't acting in accordance with the constitution.

Lawyer Nemo Yalo says there aren't the check and balances within parliament and members don't mind taking advantage of that.

He also says in most instances the speaker of the house is part of the ruling party and doesn't act as an independent referee.

He says parliament does not exist as it should, as envisaged by the constitution

"The parliament as an institution is really used to serve the interests of those in government it's not a parliamentary or constitutional democracy in that sense really I've used the word 'mob' it's 'mobocracy'."

Nemo Yalo says changes need to be made to how the speaker of parliament is elected.