Comments

Thank you Winston. As you say, process is important for changing something as central as an electoral system. Thanks again.

It would be interesting to know empirically whether or how the urban/rural distribution of votes has impacted outcomes under both systems. There is an anecdotally strong argument that FPTP voting benefits candidates who can win the urban vote which is to the detriment of the rural vote in an electorate. LPV on the other hand means a candidate has a stronger incentive to try to appeal to both the urban and rural vote, therefore being more inclusive.

Totally agree with the concluding view - "Electoral rules should only be changed through a structured, deliberative process, involving national public consultation, and clear assessment criteria. Anything else is just foxes redesigning the political henhouse." - Amendment to an Organic Law should be by wider public consultation. It should never be a private member's bill, whatever the legal arguments.

Mark, Thanks for the query. The data are from an official source, provided to me through a third party.

Hi Richard, wondering what is the source of the data on SWP arrivals by sending country?

This is an interesting finding as it nullifies the hypothesis of public perception that PM(s) use DSIP to consolidate power. It would be exciting to know about the factors that bind a government cabinet together.

Thanks Amanda.

Thank you for this thoughtful and informative blog post. I support Dr Terence Wood’s recommendation that the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission should hold off from introducing biometric technology until after the next election. This would be a complex undertaking that could not be done within the available remaining time. If it is attempted but not done well, there would be a risk that some eligible voters may be barred from voting. Thanks again for this interesting read, Amanda

Thanks for sharing the useful information. Yes DSIP must be used for the intended purposes, not for campaigning.

Thank you for addressing it, we as a nation and organization who are conducting and helping the victims have found out the root cause of it and address it.

Indeed this is great you had opportunity to visit area where people despite living with barely minimum they embrace their culture. Make effort and visit Illeret still in north eastern. We are planning to support children there to have a better tomorrow by ensuring they have meals. The population are pastrolist. To access if you don't have a helicopter you need to hire a landcruiser. About 600 kilometers from marsabit town. The community are lovely in their traditional wears

Thanks Ceridwen! I hope all's well with you. Terence