Law Report Fifty years of PNG's independence constitution
Sep 16, 2025
Join former Bougainville president John Momis and constitutional expert Anthony Regan as they delve into Papua New Guinea's journey 50 years post-independence. They discuss the remarkable participatory process that birthed the constitution and its initial vision for unity in a culturally diverse nation. Momis shares insights on the controversial removal of decentralisation, while Regan addresses the ongoing challenges of corruption and violence. Together, they advocate for local autonomy and a brighter future, urging a more participatory democracy.
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Participatory Constitution Was Groundbreaking
- PNG ran a pioneering, deeply participatory constitution-making process in the early 1970s that traveled the country and held hundreds of meetings.
- That process produced a long, visionary constitution addressing land, environment and women's equality, uncommon for its time.
Resignation Over Deleted Decentralisation Chapter
- John Momis resigned when the government removed Chapter 10 on decentralisation from the final constitution draft.
- He then took Bougainville's petition to the UN and later pushed for high autonomy as an alternative to secession.
Constitution Stayed But Power Became Prize
- PNG has largely retained its original constitution but has amended it nearly fifty times, showing resilience yet political adaptation.
- The amendments and political behaviour reveal how state control became the easiest route to wealth and patronage.