By Reginald Renagi

PNG has had a leadership crisis for some time now.

Today, the only way for our government to salvage its battered public image and credibility is start strengthening its leadership capacity, and governance performance standards.

A big change in leadership now will bring greater confidence to citizens and investors in the way we govern ourselves.

Due to what has recently transpired today, there are only a handful of capable leaders to take over from PM Somare at this juncture.

But first let Sir Michael Somare create one more record, and political history today by promoting our PNG women now. 

What a fitting gesture for the good women of PNG. 

Sir Michael Somare can make a historical achievement now by giving PNG its first woman PM before the 2012 national elections. 

Wouldn’t that be a great move by the grand chief in light of what’s happened?

This will be good for PNG and its people before the PM finally leaves politics.

The PM and his government will be long remembered here and in the Commonwealth by his elevation now of a very deserving MP as Dame Carol Kidu.

The PM will certainly raise PNG’s international profile to redeem its lost credibility in recent times.

The Dame has a good edge over her peers.  The Member for Moresby South and Minister for Community Development have impressed most Papua New Guineans during her term of office.

Dame Kidu has not only done much for her own electorate but being responsible for many community initiatives having an empowering effect on many citizens.

Here are some sound attributes as to why this popular MP can make a big difference as the first woman PM of this country:

Firstly, Dame Carol Kidu is the only woman MP for three consecutive terms.  In parliament she represents many interest groups in our communities and society. 

Secondly, As Minister for Community Development she has an impressive track record with a proven ability of a proficient lawmaker. 

Thirdly, she has pushed through several important legislations that will directly benefit people’s lives in future.

Dame Kidu's promotion to the top job by Sir Michael Somare will be a huge boost in confidence for all PNG women in our 36 years of political Independence.

Such an important change to PNG’s leadership will be a very powerful political message to our people, parliament, Commonwealth and the world.

This very single action by PM Somare will put to rest all doubts of our government’s official position is in as far as promoting PNG women's interests are concerned.

As a future PM before the 2012 national elections, Dame Kidu will better focus on certain key areas that will greatly impact upon improving the quality of life for the majority of Papua New Guineans.

Let us put aside personal prejudices here by accepting the fact that a fresh new leadership is urgently needed that may be able to see clearly what the majority of citizens needs now, more than ever.

Today, the real challenge facing our country’s leadership to make a big difference to our people’s lives clearly lies in the heart of our only woman MP. 

Can we do it Chief? Let PNG have its first woman Prime minister now!