Source:
The National, Monday 21st May, 2012
PEOPLE of Biaru in Morobe will pay the nomination fees for Bulolo MP Sam Basil. The villagers have been planning to pay back the support he had shown them. Last Thursday night, they brought 11 bags of coffee to sell in Lae at K200 each. Money raised will be used to pay for the fees.
Basil said he was pleased to see that his nomination fee was paid from money raised by simple people. "This means a lot to me because it's from people's hearts," he said. The villagers will file his nomination in Bulolo on Wednesday. Basil had given them eight coffee machines and a grader last September. The member is confident he will retain his seat for another five-year term in parliament.
I personally think this is not a right thing to do. The small farmers have been struggling to have some money. And now suddenly selling 11 bags of coffee to finance a nomination fee is not advisable. The honourable member used their money from the district support improvement program to fund this machineries. The funds are not from his own pocket. Honourable member is doing his part by purchasing the machines and delivering to them. There is no need to sell your hard earned coffee money and sacrifice to pay the nomination fee. Someone has to educated the small farmers not to make quick irresponsible decisions. You desperately need this monies. The MP is doing his part. If they believe he needs to stay to continue to deliver then let their fingers do the talking on the ballot papers in the voting booths secretly not financing with little you have.
ReplyDeleteThe honourable member should also tell inform them that they are not to pay his nomination fees. They should vote for him instead. Truly this illogical.
It is a trend today in Papua New Guinea politics where the people contribute for the nomination fee for their candidates. This has been practiced in the highlands and the coastals are now copying. This ideology needs to be stopped. It is advisable to contribute for better things rather than the payment of nomination fee. The better things like starting a business venture, school fees for better education for children, hospital fees and building of classrooms or public amenities. The intention may be good but for political nomination fee is not right.
ReplyDelete