Papua New Guinea - Post Independence Politics
In the early years after World War Two Australia helped nurture an environment that allowed political parties to emerge. By 1972 there were several political parties with some regionally based: the United party from the Highlands; Pangu Party formed by Michael Somare; Peoples Progress Party led by Julius Chan; National Party led by Thomas Kavali; and the ideologically conservative United Christian Democratic Party (later renamed the United Democratic Party - UDP) established in the Sepik Province that identified with the Catholic mission. Pangu has remained a major player since its formation in 1967 with several newer parties forming since then.
Due to the variety of political parties, no single party has been able to govern in its own right. The country has been governed through coalitions since independence and there have been frequent ‘no confidence’ motions and leadership challenges creating tension. PNG is characterised by fluid party politics where parties can appear and disappear with regularity. Electoral volatility from a lack of party stability is the result of cultural and ethnic fragmentation that has affected party size and loyalty.
The significant strides PNG has made since independence by building political institutions, economic infrastructure and providing public services needs to be commended. The young nation has performed well in some areas of human development ensuring political stability, although economic challenges in improving rural-urban disparity in health and education outcomes, and general skills development remain. The uneven level of development has created ongoing challenges due to the rising population and expectations among young people who are migrating to urban areas in search of employment.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
