By DALCY LULUA
Prime Minister James Marape today tabled in Parliament the final report of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) on the Review of the Form and System of Government: Election of the Prime Minister by the People.
Mr Marape said the report was a comprehensive review of Papua New Guinea’s current system of government and reflected the voices and concerns of citizens collected through nationwide consultations.
“This report speaks to all of us, whether in government or opposition. It carries the concerns and cries of our people who have lived under the current system for nearly 50 years,” he said.
The CLRC review was directed by the Government under NEC Decision 395 of 2021 to examine whether PNG’s political and governance systems have worked effectively since Independence and to recommend reforms for a more accountable and stable government.
Mr Marape said as the country approached its 50th anniversary of Independence, it was time to pause and reflect on whether the current system truly serves the nation’s goals and Vision 2050.
He noted that frequent political changes and instability had distracted leaders from delivering development and improving living standards.
“Our people deserve a system that allows leaders to focus on service delivery, not political manoeuvring,” the Prime Minister said.
The CLRC report makes seven key recommendations for reform, including:
- Changing from a three-tier to a two-tier system of government;
- Replacing the Constitutional Monarchy with a Non-Executive President as Head of State;
- Having the people directly elect the Prime Minister through the political party that wins
the majority of endorsed MPs;
- Modernising the electoral system and processes;
- Creating more opportunities for women’s representation in Parliament;
- Strengthening political party systems; and
- Introducing a bicameral (two-house) Parliament.
Mr Marape commended the CLRC for its professionalism and the depth of research and consultation undertaken, saying the report “sets the direction for the future of this country.”
The report has been formally presented to Parliament and will be referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration and debate.