Constitution of Papua New Guinea

Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II

Legislature: National Parliament of PapuaNew Guinea

Independence: 16 September 1975

Papua New Guinea is a constitutional monarchy recognising Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, represented by a governor-general who is nominated by parliament and serves for a term of six years.

Government is by parliamentary democracy, with a unicameral National Parliament of 109 members. Elections are held every five years, with universal adult suffrage.

After a general election parliament elects a prime minister who heads the national government. Parliament can only hold votes of no confidence in the prime minister when more than 18 months has elapsed since an election and at least 12 months before a new election is due.