Statistics have shown that more people in PNG and abroad are visiting the national parliament website and using the SMS system to know what their local MPs are doing.
The website and SMS systems were part of the Open Parliament Project launched in June this year and have received favourable responses so far.
In a media conference today, manager of the project, Transparency International PNG, said the project is vital for transparency and accountability. They have urged all MP's, however, to update their profiles and DSIP reports on the website.
Since the launch of the open parliament website and SMS system in June this year, statistics have shown that many people are using this venue to know about their MP's development agendas.
According to TIPNG, the Project's monitor, so far the website has registered more than 11, 000 hits.
Hits by countries show that PNG has registered the most visitors on the website, followed by Australia, the United States and others.
People who visited the site were from 77 different countries.
TIPNG’statistics show that on average, 500 people visit the website every day. Seventy per cent of these visitors are new and the other 30% are returning visitors.
Records from the SMS database show that 5, 000 text messages were received within a month.
To use the SMS system to know what your local MP is doing, simply text the full name of your MP or the electorate name to this number 70000300 and you will automatically receive information about your MPs portfolio or position, phone number, Email address, DSIP reports and development projects in your district.
The information provided may be slim if your local MP does not provide enough information to the website and SMS administrators.
Parliament Speaker Theo Zurenuoc said this project is part of his vision to restore, reform and modernise parliament.
The European Union's Head of Delegation to PNG, Ambassador Martin Dihm, said this project will strengthen transparency, accountability and democracy in the country.
Similar concerns were expressed by TIPNG Chairman, Lawrence Stephens. The project was funded by European Union.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ztv2lUcqOn4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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