Party technical issues could affect 9 MPs

Caption: Registrar Dr Alphonse Gelu

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 21, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH less than eigth months remaining before the issue of writs for the 2017 General Elections- the Registry of Political Parties (RPP) has given notice to a total of five political parties that have been deregistered as Associations with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA).

Withholding the names of the affected parties- Dr Gelu however, revealed that a total of nine Members of Parliament may be affected come the polls as members from three of the five.

He said with the current law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) section 28 outlines the qualification for registration of parties with a requirement, section 28 (c) requires parties to be incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act (Chapter 142).

Gelu said that upon search of the current status of association of the parties, they found that deregistration had occurred due to failure to comply with requirements with IPA.

“Political parties must also be mindful of the fact that under the Associations Incorporation Act, Associations including political parties are to ensure that change in information concerning the contact details such as, the location of the office, postal addresses, and names of the party officials and a public officer must be furnished to the Registrar of Companies and Associations, including the Registrar as set out in the OLIPPAC,” Dr Gelu said.

“The crisis is now being faced by those five political parties will have to be brought up to the commission (Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission) to make a decision.”

“We do not see this as a situation that will affect the performance of these political parties especially for the 2017 elections, but it is very important they make a decision on their registration with the registry.”

He added that as a result we are not to accept them as registered parties anymore with the board to make a decision as soon as possible.

“It is important that every must be in order especially when they have to start thinking about the 2017 National Elections.”

“If anything happens to those parties with members of parliament it could affect them preparing for the elections in 2017.”

“We might ask them all to become independent members for the 2017 elections, that is what we do not want.”

Gelu pointed out that as of Friday the parties were not aware of their status, which the registry has undertaken to inform them.

“They need now to go to IPA and sort this matter out, despite us having to make a decision immediately on their status as parties.”

“One of them has a sizable number in Parliament, with them maybe not aware of this situation.”

“There is no deadline to register with IPA who will tell them on certain issues with compliance, but for us under the law they do not have the certificate of Association for them to be recognized.”

Gelu pointed out the law will render them independents for 2017, which will leave them open also to join other political parties- with one of the parties in concerning having 7 MPs, the other two with one MP each.

“Under the proposed changes to the organic law before parliament, will do away with this requirement, however, the law currently stands to enforce this.”