the UK (since 6 February 1952),
represented by Governor General Sir Wiwa KOROWI (since 11 November
1991)
head of government : Acting Prime Minister John GIHENO (since 27 March
1997); Acting Deputy Prime Minister Andrew BAING (since 27 March
1997); note - John GIHENO and Andrew BAING assumed the respective
posts of acting prime minister and acting deputy prime minister after
Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (in office since 30 August 1994) and
Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (in office since 7 September 1994)
were required to step down during an inquiry into the government's
hiring of mercenaries to assist the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces
against Bougainville rebels; the inquiry is scheduled to conclude on
30 May 1997
cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general
on the recommendation of the prime minister
elections: none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; governor general
appointed by the National Executive Council; prime minister and deputy
prime minister appointed by the governor general for up to five years
on the basis of majority support in National Parliament

Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament - sometimes
referred to as the House of Assembly (109 seats - 89 elected from open
electorates and 20 from provincial electorates; members elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held 14-28 June 1997)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party -
Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18;
note - association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the
governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council
after consultation with the minister responsible for justice, other
judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission

Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu
Party), Chris HAIVETA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Roy YAKI;
People's Action Party (PAP), Ted DIRO; People's Progress Party (PPP),
Sir Julius CHAN; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS; People's
United Party (PUP), David UNASI; National Party (NP), Mathias IJAPE;
United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA;
National Alliance (NA), Sir Michael SOMARE; Movement For Greater
Autonomy, Stephen POKAWIN; Black Action Party (BAP), John WAIKO;
League for National Advancement (L