Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has made a historic call for a major constitutional reform that would limit the tenure of future prime ministers to two terms, marking the first time since Independence that a sitting leader has voluntarily proposed restraints on executive power.
Speaking in Parliament during the presentation of the PNG Reset@50 – 50-Year Review and 20-Year Roadmap, PM Marape stated that the time has come for PNG to strengthen leadership renewal, stability, and generational transition in political governance.
“No Prime Minister should remain in Office indefinitely. Leadership must renew. Leadership must be refreshed. After 50 years as a nation, we must embed a Constitutional culture that protects the country—not individuals.” PM Marape told Parliament.
This proposal forms part of the Reset@50 Roadmap’s first principle: Protecting the Sanctity and Integrity of the Constitution, particularly the Reform Package under Big Bet #1: Restoring Constitutional Balance and Strengthening Parliamentary Governance.
A Bold and Unprecedented Step in PNG’s Political History
No leader since Independence has ever proposed Constitutionally limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure. PM Marape’s move is seen as a significant demonstration of personal conviction and national interest.
“A two-term limit ensures that the Office of Prime Minister does not become permanent property for anyone. It protects democracy, encourages fresh ideas, and prevents the concentration of power.” he said.
The Roadmap highlights that PNG has experienced cycles of political instability, with Votes of No Confidence defining much of its Parliamentary culture. A term limit, combined with other governance reforms, would help stabilize leadership across future political generations.
Two-Term Limit: What It Means for PNG
Under the proposed Reform:
• A Prime Minister may serve a maximum of Two full terms, whether consecutive or spaced apart.
• Leadership renewal becomes a Constitutional requirement.
• Political parties must invest more in grooming emerging leaders.
• No single individual can dominate political power over decades.
• National leadership becomes more predictable and stable.
The Roadmap argues that long, unrestricted tenures risk weakening oversight institutions, encouraging executive overreach, and reducing opportunities for younger leaders to ascend.
PM Marape affirmed that he is driven not by personal interest but by national responsibility: “This Reform is not about me. It is about PNG’s next 50 years. It is about safe- guarding Democracy for generations to come.”
Strengthening National Unity and Preventing Leadership Fatigue
The Prime Minister noted that transitions in leadership—when orderly and predictable—strengthen national unity, political maturity, and economic confidence.
“Healthy democracies around the world renew leadership regularly. PNG must follow this path so that no future Prime Minister is tempted to hold on to power beyond what is good for the country.” he said.
The Reset@50 Review documents how governance drift, political interference, and weakened checks and balances have undermined national development since Independence. Limiting executive tenure is identified as a critical structural correction.
A Structural Reform Supporting Other Governance Improvements
The two-term proposal complements several other Constitutional Reforms endorsed in the Roadmap, including:
• Introducing a Bicameral Parliament (Senate)
• Strengthening the Electoral Commission
• Reforming the Speaker and Opposition Leader’s offices
• Extending Vote of No Confidence (VONC) grace period to 30 months
Together, these changes aim to rebalance powers between the Executive, Legislature, and oversight bodies.
“The dominance of the Executive must be tempered by stronger Parliamentary oversight. Term limits are one important safeguard.” PM Marape said.
A Legacy Reform to take us through the Next 50 Years to reach 100 Years of Nationhood
The Prime Minister noted that this is an opportunity to re-anchor the Constitution in the spirit of the original 1975 vision.
“Our Founding Fathers imagined a nation where power was shared, checked, and exercised with humility. Term limits honour that vision.”
He called on MPs from both Government and Opposition to approach this Re- form without political bias or self-interest:
“This is bigger than any of us. Let us rise above Party lines and craft a Constitutional safeguard that will strengthen PNG’s Democracy long after we are gone.”
Next Steps: Nationwide Dialogue and Parliamentary Consideration
PM Marape announced that the proposal will undergo broad consultation across Provinces, Churches, Civil Society, Women’s Groups, Academia, and former Leaders. It will then be refined and presented for Parliamentary deliberation.
“A Reform of this magnitude must be shaped by the people. I want national conversation—not rushed amendments.”
A Leader Putting Country Before Self
It is unusual—globally and nationally—for a sitting Prime Minister to voluntarily call for limits on their own Office.
PM Marape concluded with a firm declaration of intent:
“I believe this is the right thing for PNG. I am willing to give up future political opportunities so that this nation can have a stronger, more stable, and more responsible leadership structure for the next 100 years.”