Ileksen: Politics in Papua New Guinea

Plot Summary

A companion to Yumi yet, O’Rourke and Kildea’s Ileksen (derived from the English 'election’) documents Papua New Guinea’s first general election in 1977. The film records a broad cross-section of candidates who, without an extended media network at their disposal, rely on relentless campaigning, ingenuity and personal charisma to attract votes. Emphasising the divide between coastal people and highlanders, Ileksen looks at the election campaign, election day and the political manouvering that goes with the formation of a government.

Top Cast

Julius Chan Himself - P.P.P. Leader

Sir John Guise Himself - Governor General

James Mileng Himself - Electoral Commissioner

Michael Somare Himself - Prime Minister