Political Parties in Papua New Guinea: Formation of Pangu Party, Party Alignments in 1972, Policy Disputes, and the Path to Independence

Introduction:

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a diverse political landscape, shaped by various political parties and their ideologies. In this blog, we will delve into the political parties in PNG, focusing on key aspects discussed by David Hegarty in his works. We will explore the formation of the Pangu Party, party alignments in 1972, the interval of policy disputes, and the convergence towards pro-capitalist policies leading up to independence.

Formation of Pangu Party

The Pangu Party played a significant role in the political history of PNG. It was formed in 1967 and led by Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. The party emerged as a nationalist force advocating for immediate independence from Australian rule. Pangu Party gained popularity among the younger generation, who sought a swift transition to self-governance.

Party Alignments in 1972

In 1972, PNG witnessed a realignment of political parties. The United Party, which had been the dominant force, faced challenges as some members defected to the Pangu Party. This shift in party alignments reflected the growing support for Pangu's nationalist agenda and desire for self-determination. The political landscape became more competitive, setting the stage for the upcoming elections.

Interval of Policy Disputes

During the period leading up to independence, PNG experienced policy disputes among the political parties. These disputes were often centered around issues such as economic development, resource management, and the role of foreign investment. Different parties had varying visions for the country's future, leading to heated debates and negotiations. These policy disputes reflected the complexities of nation-building and the challenges of balancing diverse interests.

Independence and Pro-Capitalist Convergence:

As PNG moved closer to independence, there was a convergence towards pro-capitalist policies. The government recognized the importance of attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth. This shift in ideology was influenced by global trends and the desire to establish PNG as a viable player in the international arena. However, this pro-capitalist approach also raised concerns about potential exploitation and the impact on local communities.

Conclusion:

The political parties in Papua New Guinea have played a crucial role in shaping the country's path to independence and its subsequent development. The formation of the Pangu Party, party alignments in 1972, policy disputes, and the convergence towards pro-capitalist policies all contributed to the complex political landscape of PNG. Understanding the dynamics of these parties and their ideologies provides valuable insights into the political history and challenges faced by the nation.

References:

1.  Political Parties in Papua New Guinea

2.  The 'Fluid' Party System of Papua New Guinea

3.  Party Politics in Papua New Guinea: A Deviant Case?

4.  "Making Democracy Work" in Papua New Guinea: Social Capital and Provincial Development in An Ethnically Fragmented Society

5. Development and Dependency 

6. Azeem Amarshi, Kenneth Good and Rex Mortimer in their Development and Dependency: The political economy of Papua New Guinea " Chapter 14 " David Hegarty"