In any democratic society, the integrity and accountability of elected officials is central to public trust and good governance. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where formal institutions remain fragile and societal literacy levels are uneven, the task of holding politicians accountable often falls not just to official watchdog bodies but also to an alert media, active civil society, and engaged citizens. Yet, increasingly, these mechanisms are being tested in the face of elite capture, media fatigue, and eroding civic responsibility.
A Fragile Culture of Accountability
Papua New Guinea operates a hybrid political system that is democratic in form but vulnerable in function. The challenge of political accountability is magnified by deeply rooted patronage networks, resource-based corruption, and weak institutional checks and balances. In such an environment, keeping politicians honest is neither simple nor automatic. It requires sustained public scrutiny—often driven not by institutions, but by individuals committed to civic responsibility.
However, we face a hard truth: a large proportion of our population is either functionally illiterate or politically disengaged. This leaves a relatively small educated class to fulfil the role of critical observers and public commentators. In a healthy democracy, this class would act as a moral and intellectual compass, exposing malpractice, challenging injustice, and encouraging reform. Yet even among our educated elite, silence or complicity is too often the norm.
Media as a Democratic Pillar—With Cracks
PNG’s traditional media landscape has long been a frontline player in political accountability. Our newspapers have played a vital role in holding leaders to account, though concerns over editorial independence and political interference have grown in recent years. The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) remains the most consistent in delivering reliable, nationwide coverage. Its reach, especially into rural areas, gives it unrivalled democratic value.
By contrast, commercial FM stations remain Port Moresby-centric and overly entertainment-focused. EMTV, once a dominant voice in television journalism, has lost much of its credibility. A decline in journalistic standards and the exodus of quality reporters such as Scott Waide and John Eggins has undermined the outlet’s potential to challenge power.
Social media presents a new frontier—messy, unpredictable, and often poorly informed. Yet despite the noise, misinformation, and toxic rhetoric, it is increasingly where political debates unfold. In a context where state-aligned or cautious traditional media may self-censor, social platforms provide alternative spaces for dissent and scrutiny. Improving digital and media literacy could transform these platforms into powerful tools for democratic engagement.
The Silent Scholars
In many democracies, the academic community serves as both conscience and critic of the political class. In PNG, this role is inconsistently filled. The passing of Sir Anthony Siaguru left a gaping hole in elite-level public commentary. Others like Dr Tony Deklin, once active, have gone quiet. Dr Andrew Moutu remains a formidable intellectual presence, though his writings, steeped in philosophical and anthropological depth, seldom reach the broader public.
The need for politically engaged, publicly visible scholars is urgent. Fortunately, we are witnessing the emergence of new voices—Michael Kabuni, Duncan Gabi, Patrick Kaiku, and Teddy Winn—who are bridging the gap between academic rigour and public discourse. If nurtured and protected from political capture, this group could provide the intellectual ballast for a new era of PNG political commentary.
We must also tap into the insights of established thought leaders who have, for too long, stayed on the margins of public debate. The likes of Roland Katak, Joseph Sukwianomb, Professor John Nonggorr, Dr Thomas Webster, and Dr Elizabeth Kopel possess both the knowledge and moral authority to shape national conversations. Their re-engagement in civic discourse would be a welcome return.
A Call to Responsibility
In a nation grappling with corruption, weak public service delivery, and regional fragmentation, the cost of silence is high. Political leadership in PNG often evades scrutiny not because of the absence of laws or procedures, but because the critical mass of educated voices has failed to consistently speak out.
This is not merely an academic point. When leaders act with impunity—undermining elections, misusing public funds, or prioritising private interest over public good—the consequences are real: children go without classrooms, health workers without supplies, roads remain impassable, and youth remain unemployed.
In the face of this, public intellectuals, journalists, and citizens have a duty to act. We must interrogate policy decisions, question public statements, and track the performance of elected officials. Accountability should not begin and end at election time.
Conclusion: Democracy Is Not Self-Sustaining
Democracy does not sustain itself. In the absence of vigilant citizens and a courageous media, even constitutional democracies can slide into authoritarianism or elite capture. It is imperative, therefore, that PNG cultivates a civic culture where scrutiny of political leadership is not feared or shunned but encouraged and rewarded.
The future of PNG’s democracy depends not only on electoral integrity or institutional reform, but also on the emergence of a politically literate and ethically engaged society. This is our collective responsibility.
As the saying goes, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men—and women—to do nothing.” Let us not be those who do nothing.