A bag of Rice for your Vote!

Things have quietened down since the nomination of intending candidates last week in Madang, but thats not to say that is the end. On the contrary, this is only the begining of more bribery, corruption and the hand out mentality" which Papua New Guineans just cant seem to say no to, politicians and supporters alike. But we will get to that in a moment. In the months, weeks and days, now leading up to the National General Elections, the Electoral Commissions efforts to counter such practices have been to no avail, people are still practicing bribery, in the giving and recieving of money, bags of rice, sugar, flour and alcohol in some instances. The PNG Electoral Commissions catchy slogan is 'Your vote, Our future', with the message that people need to vote to make a difference. In order to vote they need to get registered and have their names appear on the electoral roles in each province. Part of the commissions awareness campaign was also to urge citizens (PNG) not to accept handouts from intending candidates in any form or shape. It saddens me, that we; PNGeans, educated or uneducated, jump to gain what we can, when the opportunity arises.This brings to mind, the discussions I've had of late, of Ethics and Ethical practices. Andre and Velasquez in an artical titled; 'Unmasking the Motives of Good Samaritan' have said that; "Even at our best we are only out for ourselves". This is so true, politicians and more so intending politicians, are only out there to win votes to get into parliament. While, this may be a general statement, I do tip my hat to PNG Leaders that can exercise transparency and hold a true sense of morals and principals that are for the greater good of PNG citizens.
Well I hate to disappoint the Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen, who I'm sure is doing all he can to coordinate this years elections, intending politicians still practice and have the 'Big Man' attitude. 'Big Man or Bik Man' in tokpisin refers to the educated PNG man or woman that has the means to gain the support of other PNGeans (kandre man) either by manipulation, bribery and corruption for self gain.
Just last week Peter Yama was seen handing out cash, bags of rice, sugar, flour and alcohol to supporters and onlookers.
So what does that say about good governance, ethics and ethical practices. This is why we can't continue to rely others to make decisions for us but have the guts to say NO to bribery, corruption and unethical practices. We can vote but thats not enough! Change of attitudes!