THE Malaita Provincial Youth Council President Philip Subu said more than half of the voting population in Malaita Province knows very little about political parties.
Mr Subu, who was the Guest of Honor at the launching of the U4C policy on Wednesday last week in Auki, stated this.
Mr Subu said political parties are established under the Political Parties Integrity Act.
He said the Act provides for the establishment of the Political Parties Commission which is the mandated authority to regulate the establishment of political parties.
Mr Subu said political parties, like any other institution set up under the law, are created for the purpose of fostering good governance in the country.
“It is a forum where organized politics and its activities are managed. Like all entities, the challenge is on how to manage the affairs of the organization.”
“That is something that a young democracy like ours is still struggling with.”
Mr Subu said he, has over the past year, observed that most political parties face issues of management and meeting the stringent reporting requirement as specified in the Political Parties Integrity Act.
“Political parties face issues of management, financing and meeting the stringent reporting requirements of the Act.”
“U4C Party as a new party will no doubt face the same or similar constraints.”
“We know that not all parties have paid professionals to run their affairs. Most parties are managed on voluntary basis and this is where the challenge lies.”
“Ensuring parties are professionally and financially well-managed to carry out the activities that would see the growth of parties is crucial,” Mr Subu added.
He encouraged leaders of the U4C Party not give up but continue with the visions they have for the country.
“My message to you today is not to give up but to press onwards with your visions for the country.”
“As a party, you will have to develop realistic development plans for the future and how to grow your party.
“A party without a development plan will not be able to survive beyond its first election in my view. Therefore, I would like to challenge you not to fail after the 2024 election but rather plan ahead for the 2028 and beyond,” Mr Subu said.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
