Photo: Prime Minister James Marape
Papua New Guinea will observe its Golden Jubilee as an independent nation 5 years from now in the next term of parliament, and since the country gained its independence the election of the Prime Minister was mandated to the members of parliament, who at national elections were elected by their constituencies.
That system is likely to change as there will be a major constitutional review on the form and system of the government, particularly the election of the Prime Minister which is to be decided by the people.
The constitutional office mandated by law to review legislation that is already passed by parliament will now undertake a major review.
The Constitution and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) will launch the work into reviewing the form and system of government this month.
In the year 2025, the country will be commemorating 50 years as an independent nation and a nationwide public consultation looking at changing the constitutional law to give Papua New Guineans the right to elect the Prime Minister will now be considered.
The nationwide consultation is to run from March to April this year.
According to public notice, a final report with recommendations will be submitted to the office of the Prime Minister in December 2023.
CLRC states that the review is in line with a decision by the National Executive Council (NEC).
In turn, the NEC has directed the head of state to issue a directive to CLRC to review the constitution on the organic law at the provincial and local level government systems as well as other related laws that concern the formation of the government with the focus on the process of electing a Prime Minister.
The government believes that the time is right to initiate this major review of the current form and system of government. The type of government that Papua New Guinea has today is a result of recommendations on the system of government by the constitutional planning committee.
The recommendations were fitting for a new country then, but after nearly 50 years, it is time for a review to reflect the current circumstances of PNG.
