Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Flag of Papua New Guinea
Emblem of Papua New Guinea
Incumbent James Marape since 30 May 2019
Style	The Honourable
Abbreviation	PM
Member of	Parliament Cabinet
Seat	Port Moresby
Appointer	Governor-General
Term length	At the Governor-General's pleasure
Precursor	Chief Minister of Papua and New Guinea
Inaugural holder	Michael Somare
Formation	16 September 1975
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Salary	PGK346,037/US$ 97,201 annually (2015)
Website	https://pmnec.gov.pg/

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea is the main leader of the government in Papua New Guinea. This person is chosen because they lead the political party or group of parties that has the most support in the country's Parliament. The Prime Minister acts as the head of their party and the leader of the government. They also chair the National Executive Council, which is like the country's main decision-making group. In the local language, Tok Pisin, the title is Prai Minista bilong Papua Niugini.

Understanding the Prime Minister's Role
- How a Prime Minister is Chosen
History of the Prime Minister's Office
- What Happened During the 2011–2012 Crisis?
The Prime Minister's Department
Where the Prime Minister Works
List of Papua New Guinea's Prime Ministers (1975–Present)
Timeline of Prime Ministers
More About Papua New Guinea's Government
Images for kids
See also

Understanding the Prime Minister's Role

The Prime Minister is the head of government for Papua New Guinea. This means they are in charge of running the country day-to-day. They work with other government leaders to make important decisions. They also make sure that the laws passed by Parliament are put into action.

How a Prime Minister is Chosen

The person who becomes Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the National Parliament. If no single party wins enough seats, different parties might join together. This creates a "coalition government." The leader of this coalition then becomes the Prime Minister.

History of the Prime Minister's Office

The position of Prime Minister started when Papua New Guinea became an independent country. Before that, the main leader was called the Chief Minister. The country gained its independence on September 16, 1975. The first Prime Minister was Michael Somare.

What Happened During the 2011–2012 Crisis?

There was a time between 2011 and 2012 when two people both claimed to be the Prime Minister. This was a big problem for the country's government. Peter O'Neill and Sir Michael Somare were the two leaders involved. Eventually, Sir Michael Somare supported Peter O'Neill. This ended the disagreement in August 2012.

The Prime Minister's Department

The Department of the Prime Minister helps the Prime Minister do their job. It provides support and advice to the Prime Minister and other government leaders. This department also helps with administrative tasks. In 1995, its duties were expanded to include more responsibilities.

Where the Prime Minister Works

The main office for the Prime Minister and other important government offices used to be in a place called Konedobu. After Papua New Guinea became independent in 1975, these offices moved to Waigani. Since April 2024, the Prime Minister's Office has been in a new building. This building is called Melanesia Haus. It is located right across from the National Parliament House in Port Moresby.

List of Papua New Guinea's Prime Ministers (1975–Present)

Here is a list of all the people who have served as Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea since 1975.

Political parties

Pangu Pati (Pangu) People's Progress Party (PPP) People's Democratic Movement (PDM) People's National Congress (PNC) National Alliance Party (NAP)

Status

Denotes acting prime minister

No.	Portrait	Name (Born–Died)	Election	Time in Office			Political Party
No.	Portrait	Name (Born–Died)	Election	Started Office	Left Office	Total Time	Political Party
1	Sir Michael Somare, the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.	Michael Somare (1936–2021)	1977	16 September 1975	11 March 1980	4 years, 177 days	Pangu
2	Sir Julius Chan, who served as Prime Minister twice.	Sir Julius Chan (born 1939)	—	11 March 1980	2 August 1982	2 years, 144 days	PPP
(1)	Sir Michael Somare during his second term.	Michael Somare (1936–2021)	1982	2 August 1982	21 November 1985	3 years, 111 days	Pangu
3	Paias Wingti, a former Prime Minister.	Paias Wingti (born 1951)	1987	21 November 1985	4 July 1988	2 years, 226 days	PDM
4	Sir Rabbie Namaliu.	Sir Rabbie Namaliu (1947–2023)	—	4 July 1988	17 July 1992	4 years, 13 days	Pangu
(3)	Paias Wingti during his second time as Prime Minister.	Paias Wingti (born 1951)	1992	17 July 1992	30 August 1994	2 years, 44 days	PDM
(2)	Sir Julius Chan during his second term.	Sir Julius Chan (born 1939)	—	30 August 1994	27 March 1997	2 years, 209 days	PPP
5	John Giheno, who briefly served as Prime Minister.	John Giheno (1949–2017)	—	27 March 1997	2 June 1997	67 days	PPP
(2)	Sir Julius Chan returning to office.	Sir Julius Chan (born 1939)	—	2 June 1997	22 July 1997	50 days	PPP
6	Bill Skate, a former Prime Minister.	Bill Skate (1953–2006)	1997	22 July 1997	14 July 1999	1 year, 357 days	PNC
7	Sir Mekere Morauta.	Sir Mekere Morauta (1946–2020)	—	14 July 1999	5 August 2002	3 years, 22 days	PDM
(1)	Sir Michael Somare during his third time as Prime Minister.	Sir Michael Somare (1936–2021)	2002 2007	5 August 2002	4 April 2011	8 years, 362 days	NAP
—	Sam Abal, who served as acting Prime Minister.	Sam Abal (born 1958) Acting prime minister	—	13 December 2010	17 January 2011	35 days	NAP
—	Sam Abal, who served as acting Prime Minister.	Sam Abal (born 1958) Acting prime minister	—	4 April 2011	2 August 2011	120 days	NAP
8	Peter O'Neill, who served as Prime Minister for many years.	Peter O'Neill (born 1965)	2012 2017	2 August 2011	29 May 2019	7 years, 300 days	PNC
9	James Marape, the current Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.	James Marape (born 1971)	2022	30 May 2019	Incumbent	6 years, 53 days	Pangu

Timeline of Prime Ministers

This timeline shows how long each Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea has lived and when they were in office. The names are listed by when they first became Prime Minister.