The Government and Political System in Papua New Guinea

The State of Papua New Guinea is a Federal Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and is headed by Queen Elizabeth II as head of state who is represented by the country’s Governor-General. The government consists of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. The Executive branch is headed by a Prime Minister, who is elected by Parliament, and who is also head of the Cabinet whose members are the ministers of executive departments he chooses. The Legislative branch is the unicameral National Parliament consisting of 109 members, 20 of whom are the governors of 18 provinces, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and the National Capital District. Members of the Parliament are elected for five years in an election called by the Prime Minister.

The Judicial branch is headed by the Chief Justice, who is appointed by the Governor-General upon the recommendation or advice of the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition. It is independent of the government and serves to protect the constitutional rights of the people and interpret the laws of the country. The Privy Council of the United Kingdom serves as the highest Appellate Court of the Country.

The country is divided into four administrative regions which are in turn divided into province-level divisions and the 18 provinces. The pro9vinces are divided into districts with each district divided into one or more local level government units.

The provinces of Papua New Guinea are the Central, Chimby, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Malang, Manus, Milne Bay, Marobe, New Ireland, Oro Province, Southern Highlands, Western Province, Western Highlands, West New Britain, and West Sepik.