in by-election

Okuk goes back in by-election

lambakey Okuk, the man

who makes no secret of his aim to be prime minister of

Papua New Guinea, is

back in parliament.

Mr Okuk, who is one of the most controversial politicians in PNG, crashed badly last year when he lost his seat of Chimbu while parliamentary leader of the Na

tional Party.

Now he has gone back easily in a by-election for the seat of Unggai-Bena, and there is every possibility that he could go back to leadership of the National Par ty and of the Opposition. Late in July the situation was still fluid, but Opposition leader Ted Diro had indicated a tacit willingness to accept Okuk in the leadership.

Mr Okuk’s return to parlia ment is a new chapter in a politic al career studded with dramatic developments. His new electo rate, like his old one, is in the Highlands of PNG and the by election was called because of disputes stemming from the gen eral election. His major platform

during the by-election campaign

was a simple one: “I intend to be the first Highlander to be prime minister” he told his meetings.

In a country where a signific ant amount of parochialism per sists in electoral matters, this went over well. PNG has had only two prime ministers since independence Michael So mare and Sir Julius Chan. Both come from coastal electorates.

When he first entered parlia ment lambakey Okuk was a So mare supporter and he eventually held the transport portfolio in a Somare government. But he was

unpredictable and independent in

government leading to his sack ing from cabinet. He then mount ed a direct challenge to Prime Minister Somare, but after two unsuccessful attempts to obtain

national leadership through a

parliamentary vote he realised that his personal support was not

quite strong enough for his ambitions.

Instead he master-minded the campaign which resulted in Sir Julius Chan taking over govern ment with Okuk as his deputy, following a parliamentary vote of no confidence in the prime minister.

Okuk figured in a number of controversial developments, one of which was the re-equipment of Air Niugini with Dash 7 aircraft.

The Somare government, now back in power, is disposing of the aircraft on the grounds that the deal was too expensive.

Okuk claims that the financial burden was created only because middleman dealers and finan ciers, mainly in Australia, be came involved. He is critical of sales and supply procedures in the developed world, claiming that they create hardship rather than provide help in Third World countries.

One of the biggest criticisms levelled against him on the PNG political scene is that he dogged ly follows the advice of experts he selects, and will not entertain opposing views. But Okuk de nies this and spends far more time on research than many of his fellow politicians do. He ac cuses many PNG politicians of allowing gut feelings rather than inquiry to rule their policies.

PNG leaders generally have a reputation for negotiation and compromise. This is part of what has been called the “Melanesian way”. But against this back ground Okuk stands out as a man who can strongly polarise opinion.

The rift which has developed between him and Mr Somare’s Pangu party is now entrenched.

During his campaigning there were suggestions from the Pangu Party that his eligibility to stand was dubious. His supporters ac cused the Pangu Party of deliber ate obstruction.

Five candidates stood against Okuk in the by-election and he had an easy win.