As Papua New Guinea and Enga Province prepares for the upcoming Local Level Government (LLG) elections and the by-elections including the Porgera-Paiela electorate, Bishop Justin Ain Soongie of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag, Papua New Guinea has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and unity among the communities.
In a statement released today, Bishop Ain emphasized the importance of conducting the elections in a peaceful and orderly manner, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of the province over personal or political interests.
“Elections are a vital part of our democratic process,” Bishop Ain stated. “They should be a time for communities to come together to choose their leaders, not a time for division and violence.”
Enga Province has a history of electoral-related conflicts, with tribal fights often erupting during election periods. The 2022 National General Elections saw several such incidents, leading to loss of life and property damage.
Bishop Ain, who has been actively involved in peace-building efforts through the Diocese's Caritas program, highlighted the ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and understanding among warring factions. These include community workshops, dialogues, and the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between rival tribes.
“Our mission is to promote peace and development,” Bishop Ain explained. “We work closely with communities to address the root causes of conflict and to build a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.”
The Bishop also addressed the specific challenges facing the Porgera-Paiela electorate, where the by-election has been delayed due to funding issues and ongoing law and order concerns. Local leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of representation and the impact of unresolved resettlement issues related to the Porgera mine.
“It's crucial that these elections proceed without further delay,” Bishop Ain urged. “The people of Porgera-Paiela deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed through proper channels.”
In his message, Bishop Ain called upon all candidates, supporters, and community members to refrain from inciting violence or engaging in activities that could disrupt the electoral process.
“Let us remember that our actions during this time will shape the future of our province,” he said. “Peaceful elections are not only a reflection of our commitment to democracy but also a testament to our respect for one another as members of the same community.”
The Catholic Diocese of Wabag continues to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and social cohesion in Enga Province. Through its various programs and initiatives, the Diocese aims to address issues such as tribal violence, gender-based violence, and the effects of substance abuse, all of which have been exacerbated during election periods.
As the province moves closer to the election and voting dates, Bishop Ain's call for peace serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure a safe and fair electoral process for all.
“Together, we can build a future where elections are a celebration of our shared values and aspirations,” Bishop Ain concluded. “Let us choose peace over conflict, unity over division, and hope over fear.”
The LLG elections and the Porgera-Paiela by-election are scheduled to take place later this month, with the Electoral Commission working to address logistical and security challenges to facilitate the voting process.
Community leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies are urged to support efforts to maintain peace and order during this critical period in Enga Province's democratic journey.
Bishop Ain's message resonates with the broader call for peaceful and inclusive elections across Papua New Guinea, highlighting the essential role of faith-based organizations in fostering national unity and development.
As the people of Enga prepare to cast their votes, the hope is that Bishop Ain's appeal will inspire a collective commitment to peace, ensuring that the elections serve as a foundation for a more harmonious and prosperous future for all people of Papua New Guinea.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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