Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a unique political system that combines elements of parliamentary democracy, traditional structures, and local governance. Key political institutions include:
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The Constitution: The Constitution of Papua New Guinea, enacted in 1975, serves as the supreme law of the country and establishes the framework for its political institutions.
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The Parliament: The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea is a unicameral legislature composed of members elected from various provinces. The Parliament is responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, and representing the interests of the citizens.
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Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the head of government, elected by the members of Parliament from among themselves. The Prime Minister leads the executive branch and is responsible for governance and policy-making.
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The Cabinet: The Cabinet is composed of ministers appointed by the Prime Minister, responsible for specific government departments. The Cabinet implements government policies and makes decisions on various matters.
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The Judiciary: The judicial system in PNG consists of various levels of courts, including the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land. The judiciary is independent and interprets laws, ensuring justice is served.
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Provincial Governments: Papua New Guinea is divided into several provinces, each with its own provincial government. These governments have authority over local matters and are intended to facilitate local governance and service delivery.
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Local-level Governments: Below the provincial level, there are local-level governments that manage community issues and services. These bodies empower local communities and promote grassroots participation in governance.
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Electoral Commission: The PNG Electoral Commission is responsible for conducting elections and ensuring they are free and fair. It oversees the electoral process, including voter registration and the counting of votes.
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Ombudsman Commission: This independent body investigates complaints against government officials and ensures accountability in the public service.
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Political Parties: Numerous political parties operate in PNG, contributing to the multi-party system. Political parties play a crucial role in the electoral process and in forming coalitions within Parliament.
These institutions, along with the cultural and traditional influences prevalent in Papua New Guinea, shape its political landscape and governance practices.
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