Tensions rise!

As counting unfolds for the PNG 2007 elections – tensions rise! In the end there will be just one winner and as a rule Papua New Guineans do not fancy losing. Whether it's rugby, tribal fighting or national elections – especially elections! Tensions are rising as candidates and supporters alike begin to realise that the end is nigh.

Three months of intense campaigning, parties, cash and building up of hope. Three months of living a dream. Three months of putting all the eggs in the one basket. And this week we will know whom the winners and whom the losers will be. Tensions rise as folks begin to realise that the race is almost over and that their team has fallen behind. Tensions rise as candidates wake up to empty pockets after dishing out copious amounts of cash. The bank balances of many are worse for wear and after handing out all that money it begins to sink in that its all been a waste. A fuck'in waste.

I feel sorry for many – the hope comes along every five years that one's candidate will win. For many this hope is now slowly being shattered. It looks like the ruling party – the National Alliance – Somare's mob – are once again going to occupy the seat of power. This will suit so called developement community and the NGO's and of course the multi-nationals. The Papua New Guineans themselves will continue to struggle with corrupt leadership.

Papua New Guineans have had their chance and I suspect strongly that they have just blown it. Same party, same politicians, same corruption. Sorry Papua New Guineans but as they say: folks end up with the government they deserve. You have just voted these cronies back into power and you also participated in the corruption when candidates were handing out wads of cash and now you will pay the price.