The public service is made of only the 3% public servants of the population of Papua New Guinea, and the corrupt ways of government and public service is not by the people who make up the 97% of the population. What suggestions can be made to what the 97% of the population should do?

Answer 1

Addressing corruption and improving governance in a country like Papua New Guinea, where a small percentage of the population comprises public servants, requires active engagement and concerted efforts from the broader population. Here are several suggestions for the 97% of the population:

1. Raise Awareness and Education:

   • Educate the public on their rights and the importance of accountability in government and public service.
   • Host workshops, seminars, and community discussions that focus on corruption and governance issues.

2. Promote Civic Engagement:

   • Encourage citizens to participate in local governance, such as attending village council meetings and engaging in community decision-making.
   • Facilitate community-led initiatives that promote transparency and accountability.

3. Advocate for Good Governance:

   • Establish or support civil society organizations that advocate for anti-corruption measures and good governance practices.
   • Mobilize communities to petition for policy changes that enhance transparency and accountability in government.

4. Strengthen Community Networks:

   • Create networks of citizens to share information and strategies for combating corruption in their communities.
   • Support peer-to-peer platforms where citizens can discuss their experiences and solutions regarding public service issues.

5. Utilize Technology:

   • Leverage social media and technology to raise awareness about corruption and facilitate whistleblowing without fear of retribution.
   • Develop mobile apps or websites for reporting corruption anonymously and tracking government projects.

6. Support Independent Media:

   • Encourage the establishment and support of independent media outlets that investigate and report on corruption and government inefficiencies.
   • Promote citizen journalism to document and report abuses of power or corruption cases in their communities.

7. Engage in Electoral Processes:

   • Advocate for increased voter participation and educate citizens about the electoral process and the importance of voting for honest representatives.
   • Support candidates who prioritize anti-corruption measures and transparency in governance.

8. Build Alliances:

   • Form alliances with like-minded organizations, NGOs, and international bodies that focus on anti-corruption and development work.
   • Engage with local and international partners to bring attention to governance issues in Papua New Guinea.

9. Implement Community Watchdog Programs:

   • Establish citizen watchdog groups that monitor local government activities, budgets, and project implementations.
   • Train citizens in data collection and analysis to create evidence-based reports on government performance.

10. Promote Ethical Leadership:

• Encourage families, schools, and community organizations to instill values of integrity and ethical leadership in future generations.
• Initiate mentorship programs that foster leadership qualities based on honesty and transparency.

By taking these actions, the vast majority of the population can play an essential role in advocating for a more transparent, accountable, and effective public service that can ultimately benefit all citizens of Papua New Guinea.