In Papua New Guinea (PNG), veto players play a significant role in economic decision-making, particularly concerning public investment projects. Veto players refer to individuals or groups whose agreement is essential for a policy change or decision to occur. In PNG, these can include key government officials, tribal leaders, and influential business figures. The presence of these veto players can impact the planning and implementation of public investment projects by either facilitating progress or causing delays, depending on their interests and the political landscape (Dinnen, 2010).
For instance, a public infrastructure project may require input and approval from various stakeholders, including local communities, government departments, and financial institutions. If any of these veto players oppose the project due to concerns over environmental effects, land ownership disputes, or mismanagement risks, the entire initiative may be stalled or even canceled. This dynamic illustrates how their power and influence can shape economic decisions, often prioritizing negotiation and consensus over rapid project advancement (Kavanamur, 2018). Therefore, understanding the role of veto players is crucial for effectively navigating the complexities of public investment in PNG.
References
Dinnen, S. (2010). Politics and state building in Papua New Guinea. In The Contemporary Pacific, 22(1), 1-25.
Kavanamur, J. (2018). Governance and public investment in Papua New Guinea. PNG Economic Society Journal, 15(2), 45-60.