Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today announced that the PNG Reset@50 Roadmap provides the nation’s strongest governance Reform agenda since Independence, aimed at restoring Constitutional balance, strengthening Parliament, and safeguarding Public wealth.
“The Roadmap tells us one truth: to build a prosperous and united PNG over the next 20 years, we must restore the 1975 spirit of our Constitution—its integrity, its checks and balances, and its vision of a people- centred State,” PM Marape said.
Introducing a Bicameral Parliament
One of the most significant Reforms proposed is the creation of a Bicameral Parliamentary System, comprising the existing Lower House and a new Senate consisting of Provincial Governors and Reserved Seats for Women.
“This is about strengthening the Legislature—not weakening our Democracy,” the Prime Minister said. “A second Chamber gives space for sober review, enhanced oversight, and ensures that Provincial voices and Women’s representation are Constitutionally guaranteed.”
The Senate would act primarily as a House of Review, supervising Committee processes, scrutinising legislation, confirming key executive appointments, and curbing executive overreach.
Term Limits for Prime Ministers
Echoing the Roadmap, the Prime Minister endorsed a two-term limit for future Prime Ministers, saying: “Leadership must renew. Leadership must be refreshed. No one should hold power indefinitely.”
He added that extending the Vote of No Confidence grace period to 30 months will stabilise Governments and reduce political volatility, while preserving democratic accountability.
Restoring Electoral Integrity
The Roadmap highlights chronic weaknesses in Elections—delays, irregularities, and compromised independence. PM Marape underscored that strengthening the Electoral Commission and depoliticising appointments is essential.
“Our Elections must be the pride of our Democracy, not a point of dispute. Restoring Electoral integrity is central to restoring national trust.”
Rebuilding Budget Integrity & Protecting Public Finances
The Roadmap identifies serious breaches of Constitutional finance rules, including funds bypassing the Consolidated Revenue Fund and Statutory bodies operating without adequate oversight.
PM Marape said: “Budget integrity must be restored. Every toea of public money must pass through Parliament’s scrutiny.”
Key reforms include:
– Closing loopholes in Public Finance Management
– Strengthening Audits for Statutory Authorities
– Consolidating Off-Budget Accounts
– Reinstating strict controls on Resource Revenues
– Operationalising the Sovereign Wealth Fund
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) must be operationalised urgently, using lessons from the former Mineral Resources Stabilisation Fund (MRSF).
“We must protect today’s resource wealth for our children and grandchildren. The era of wasting windfalls must end,” he said.
Accountability, Oversight & Separation of Powers
PM Marape said that these Reforms are not targeted at any person or political group: “This is not about Governments of the past. It is about protecting the Constitution for the next 100 years of nationhood.”
He encouraged Bipartisan Review of the governance reforms, calling on MPs to engage constructively: “Let us strengthen our democratic institutions together. Let us rise above politics and build the governance system our Founding Fathers envisioned in 1975.”