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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, May 30) – Tonga’s public servants association, the PSA, says the government must withdraw its version of political reform and to implement the options suggested by the late Prince Tu’ipelehake.

The union says the prime minister, Dr Feleti Sevele, and the Privy Council sparked last year’s riots by suggesting an alternative to the Prince Tu’ipelehake plan.

It also says the changes should be implemented quickly so the constitution can be amended in time for next year’s elections.

The PSA also wants the government to roll over wage rises of 60, 70 an d 80 percent that were given following a lengthy strike two years, but which expire in June.

The union says a survey of its members overwhelmingly backed the wage demand and it is giving the government to June 15th to meet it.

Editorial

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, May 30) – The present state of affairs in Papua New Guinea cannot be allowed to continue. Election-related chaos is now invading more provinces and only a cockeyed optimist would currently bank on a peaceful and well-run national election.

Some may consider our comments exaggerated, or of little concern in their part of our country. They are wrong to think so.

Election 2007 is not some local election of minimal importance. It is our people’s one chance in five years to issue a report card on the performance of the outgoing Government.

Their reaction will determine the membership of the next government.

For that to be meaningful, it is essential that all eligible Papua New Guinean voters mark a ballot and express their views.

If the election results in a truncated Parliament, one that poses the necessity of conducting supplementary elections as occurred in 2002, the election will once...