Parliamentarians are elected to represent their people, but has this happened since we gained independence?

The few exceptions to the rule pale into insignificance compared to the majority whose actions demonstrate a strong desire to represent their own and not the people’s interests.

So at whose benefit and at whose expense are we participating in the general elections? Is this five-yearly ritual for the mass of the people or the elite few who make it to the echelon of power in Waigani?

Past experience has shown that Papua New Guineans tend to vote enthusiastically and then descend into silence for the rest of the term.

But we suffer the consequences of our decisions in dramatic fashion (most of them a blatant slap in the face) and wait another five years to make a case for change. Is this what democracy should look like in this country? Our patience and failure to hold politicians to account is killing this country.

For the full duration of the full five-year term electors we must ensure that the elected are held accountable for their actions and decisions.

We can never say that as citizens we have fulfilled out democratic obligation just by fronting up at the polling booth to cast our votes.

Our democratic rights are an enduring legacy and our responsibility must be just as durable.

For as long as PNG remains a democratic country with elections held to elect leaders, citizens must demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.

For the sake of our country's future, everyone has a duty to make sure this general election is worthwhile.

PNG must be better than the petty politics of tribalism or wantokism. We need leaders who are willing to serve PNG and not be limited by their ethnicity, culture and tradition when discharging their duties.

Equally important, we need electors who see beyond their huts, mountains, rivers and seas. We all need to put Papua New Guinea first in this election.