Before Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975, Sir Michael Somare was part of discussions that led to the country's transition to self-governance. During this period, one of the significant events was the "Nine Questions" that were posed to Sir Michael Somare and other leaders to gauge readiness for independence.
The Nine Questions were as follows:
- What is your vision for the future of Papua New Guinea?
- What level of autonomy have you considered appropriate for Papua New Guinea?
- What measures will you take to maintain law and order?
- How will you ensure that the economy remains sustainable?
- What capacity do you have for self-government, and how will you develop it?
- How will you address issues of education and health?
- What is your stance on external relations, particularly with neighboring countries?
- How will you involve local communities in governance?
- What is your plan for cultural preservation and development of national identity?
These questions were essential to understand how Papua New Guinea would navigate the complexities of independence and govern itself post-independence. They reflect the concerns of both local leaders and international observers about the country's readiness to manage its affairs independently.