Source:The National
According to an official statement, the Government has allocated over K85 million to political parties since 2001, yet there remains an absence of a robust system to track the expenditure of these funds. Mr. Solomon Puana, Director of the Registry of Political Parties, stated, "There are valid concerns; however, the capability to monitor fund usage is lacking. When political parties are requested to submit their election returns, we are only afforded a limited view of the actual financial resources expended in their campaigns. Unfortunately, the prevalence of money politics is a sobering reality in Papua New Guinea, and the necessary inter-agency coordination to oversee these practices is not in place."Mr. Puana noted that the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) mandates that the State fund political parties, particularly those with sitting Members of Parliament, via the Central Fund established under Section 76.
In August, Registrar of Political Parties Emanuel Pok indicated that the State has disbursed K85,638,434 in the past 24 years. "This figure includes periodic salaries and monthly stipends for political party executives," he clarified. "Despite encountering delays in funding, when disbursements occur, they are backdated and provided in full." Mr. Puana emphasized that political parties must adhere to the OLIPPAC requirements by submitting their financial reports by March 31 each year, which should encompass updated membership lists, revised policy platforms, and party constitutions.
Furthermore, each party is expected to submit an election report, due three months following an election. "The most evident source of funding is membership fees," he remarked. "A political party with a Member in Parliament is assured K10,000." "This funding is designated for the maintenance of political parties." "It is within the mandate of the Registry of Political Parties to oversee party and candidate donations. However, fulfilling this responsibility necessitates expertise that exceeds the current capacity of the Registry of Political Parties.