Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a unique political system that is shaped by its history, culture, and regional influences. Here are key elements of the political institutions of PNG:
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Constitution: PNG operates under a constitution that was adopted in 1975 when it gained independence from Australia. The constitution provides the framework for governance and outlines the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the government.
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Parliament: PNG has a unicameral parliament known as the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea. It is composed of 111 members who are elected to serve five-year terms. Members are elected through a limited preferential voting system, which is intended to promote a more representative outcome.
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Executive Branch: The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition in the National Parliament and is appointed by the Governor-General. The Prime Minister selects a cabinet composed of ministers who head various government departments.
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Governor-General: The Governor-General represents the monarch of Australia in PNG and performs ceremonial duties. The Governor-General is appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister and has certain constitutional powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament under specific circumstances.
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Judiciary: The judicial system in PNG is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The highest court is the Supreme Court, which handles significant legal and constitutional matters. The judiciary also includes other courts, such as the National Court and various local level courts.
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Provincial Governments: PNG is divided into provinces, each with its own government. Provincial governments have authority over certain local matters, but their powers can vary. Local-level governments also exist to facilitate grassroots governance.
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Political Parties: PNG has a multi-party system, but political life can be quite fluid, with frequent changes in party allegiance among politicians. Political parties often form coalitions to achieve a majority in parliament.
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Electoral Commission: The Electoral Commission of PNG is responsible for conducting elections and ensuring that they are free and fair. Elections at both national and local levels are critical to the democratic process in the country.
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Decentralization: The government has pursued a decentralized form of governance since the 1990s, allowing for more local participation and decision-making in governance. This includes the establishment of local-level governments.
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Indigenous Influence: Traditional leadership and customary practices play a significant role in local governance and community decision-making. Indigenous cultures are deeply woven into the political fabric of PNG.
PNG's political institutions continue to evolve, facing challenges such as corruption, political instability, and the need for improved service delivery and governance. However, the country's rich cultural diversity and commitment to democratic processes remain central to its political landscape.