The Challenges of a Westminster System of Government in Papua New Guinea after 1975

 Introduction

Since gaining independence in 1975, Papua New Guinea has adopted a Westminster system of government. This system, inherited from its colonial past, has posed several challenges for the country. In this blog, we will discuss three key challenges faced by the Westminster system in Papua New Guinea after 1975.

 1. Adjournment of Parliament

One of the challenges faced by the Westminster system in Papua New Guinea is the issue of adjournment of parliament. According to section 124(1) of the constitution, it is mandatory for parliament to sit for 63 days in a 12-month period. However, there have been instances where the government has adjourned parliament for extended periods of time. For example, in 1997-98, the government adjourned parliament for 7 months, and in 2021, it adjourned for 4 months. 

This prolonged adjournment of parliament raises concerns about the effectiveness of the system in ensuring regular legislative activities and democratic accountability. It can hinder the timely discussion and resolution of important issues, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability in governance.

2. Perception of Corruption in Parliament

Another challenge faced by the Westminster system in Papua New Guinea is the perception of corruption within the parliament. There is a widespread belief that there are two sets of rules - one for the common people and another for the politicians. This stereotype undermines the importance of parliament in representing and serving the interests of the people.

The perception of corruption within the parliament can erode public trust and confidence in the democratic process. It hampers the ability of the system to effectively address the needs and aspirations of the citizens. Efforts to address this challenge should focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct among parliamentarians.

3. Patronage and Dual Responsibility

The third challenge is related to patronage and the dual responsibility of Members of Parliament (MPs). In Papua New Guinea, MPs not only serve as legislators but also as fund managers. This dual role can have implications for their effectiveness as lawmakers. The overuse of constitutional grants, which allows MPs to allocate funds for development projects in their constituencies, has resulted in executive dominance and a concentration of power. This can undermine the separation of powers and the checks and balances necessary for a functioning democracy.

Furthermore, the dual responsibility of MPs as fund managers can divert their attention and resources away from their primary role as legislators. This can lead to a neglect of important legislative duties and hinder the effective functioning of the Westminster system.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by the Westminster system of government in Papua New Guinea after 1975 highlight the need for reforms and improvements to ensure effective governance and democratic accountability. Addressing the issues of adjournment of parliament, perception of corruption, and patronage and dual responsibility will require concerted efforts from both the government and the citizens.

By promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, Papua New Guinea can strengthen its democratic institutions and ensure that the Westminster system serves the best interests of its people.

References

1. Is PNG's Westminster system worth keeping? - East Asia Forum (https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/10/05/is-pngs-westminster-system-worth-keeping/)

Supporting Citations

[1] https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/10/05/is-pngs-westminster-system-worth-keeping/

[2] https://przegladeuropejski.com.pl/article/01.3001.0013.5173/en

[3] https://www.britannica.com/place/Papua-New-Guinea/Government-and-society

[4] https://constitutionnet.org/news/future-governance-papua-new-guinea-consultations-begin-form-and-system-government

[5] https://www.csis.org/analysis/addressing-fragility-papua-new-guinea

[6] https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/426851468145477761/pdf/686490ESW0P11400in0Papua0New0Guinea.pdf