Constitution of Papua New Guinea

The 1975 independence constitution blending Westminster with indigenous custom.

Overview

Adopted August 15, 1975 at independence from Australia, the Papua New Guinea Constitution is notable for embedding Melanesian values alongside Westminster structure. Its preamble sets national goals and directive principles, including conservation and Papua New Guinean ways. It protects customary law as part of the underlying law alongside common law and equity, a formal recognition few constitutions grant indigenous normative systems. It provides for provincial governments and a leadership code enforcing integrity of office. Despite chronic political instability resolved through frequent no confidence motions, the constitution itself has held since independence.