CIP wary of election policy ‘copycats’

Work on finalizing our selection of candidates for the general elections is progressing well,” according to CIP policy spokesperson William Numanga who spoke to the Times on Friday morning, “The momentum is picking up as well as our support levels once people see the calibre of the candidates being chosen to represent their Punas.”
“We are confident we will be able to announce through our leader, the full list of candidates in due course but for obvious reasons, we intend to hold back until the date for the elections is confirmed. All it will require then is for the CIP Conference to endorse the candidates and then we’re in full campaign mode.”
Numanga said work was also progressing on policies and while the framework was in place, the detail has been held back to ensure CIP candidates and supporters are briefed on the policy directions before going public.
He said the CIP was conscious from previous experience that political rivals will be watching with great interest regarding CIP policies therefore the wish was to reduce the “copycat syndrome” by holding back at this stage and just doing “progressive announcements” as appropriate.
Numanga said the calibre of CIP candidates is quite diverse and the party is aware of the need to engage in dialogue with them and their Punas before the date of the election is confirmed so that they are familiarised with the principles of governance, transparency, accountability and integrity. “These principles are very important,” said Numanga, “our candidates need to appreciate the mana of Parliament and of being an MP once they are elected.”
Amid speculation of potential mergers between CIP and the DEMO’s, that’s all it is, purely speculation, claims Numanga. “Our position has been stated clearly by our Leader Henry Puna regarding the Budget and that the CIP is prepared to go back to Parliament to support any motions relative to supply to avoid any disruptions or instability regarding our economy. Anything over and above that is really up to the MP’s themselves bearing in mind, they will be treading a thin line with the elections looming should they consider other options.”
For now, CIP is content with its progress and will continue to develop its policies in accordance to the wishes of the people. We will be keeping it simple, brief but focused because from our perspective, what people want right now is change and we are positioning ourselves to deliver that change.
“We anticipate there will be enormous challenges ahead but we also believe we will have the team and the mandate to govern this country and we are confident our policies will reflect that,” said Numanga.

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