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Papua New Guinea: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
King Charles III ; represented by Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae
Head of Government:
Prime Minister James Marape

Overview

Government Name:
Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Constitution:
Adopted: 1975; Outlines basic aspects of the country, the national legal system, basic principles of government, citizenship, the head of state, the national government, supervision and control, constitutional office-holders and constitutional institutions, and emergency powers.
Government Type:
Constitutional Parliamentary Democracy
Independent State of Papua New Guinea Flag
Coat of Arms of Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

B
Political and economic uncertainties and an occasionally difficult business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is appreciable. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Monarch stands as a ceremonial figurehead, while the governor-general represents the Monarch of the United Kingdom by acting upon the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet.

Governor-general is appointed by the monarch, and prime minister is appointed by the governor-general.

At His Majesty's discretion
Judicial

Supreme Court hears appeals and reviews decisions made by the National Court.

Chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon advice of the National Executive Council after consultation with the National Justice Administration Minister. Remaining judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

Citizen judges have 10 year terms while non citizens only have 3 year terms
Legislative

Constitution states that the legislative power of the people is vested in the National Parliament.

Elected through an alternative voting system.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
APEC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Internal Revenue Commission
Tax Name:
GST

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/