The journey to independence for Papua New Guinea (PNG) began to take shape in the late 1960s, with a significant milestone being the country’s first national election held in February and March 1964. This election was largely influenced by the recommendations of a United Nations Visiting Mission in 1962 to the Trust Territory of New Guinea, which emphasised the need for a representative Parliament.

The UN Mission advocated for a parliament with approximately 100 elected members and advised against reserving seats exclusively for Australians, though it was hoped that Australians would win seats through competitive elections. The mission suggested that voting should be conducted using symbols to facilitate understanding among the electorate.

Following these recommendations, the Australian Colonial Administration set up a 64-member House of Assembly in 1964, with 54 members being directly elected by the people. This marked a crucial step in preparing the residents of both the Papua and New Guinea territories for their inaugural participation in national elections.

Conducting these elections posed significant challenges. Election officials had to explain the electoral process to the PNG populace, who were unfamiliar with such democratic practices. Additionally, local candidates often lacked a deep understanding of political party structures and policies, making it difficult for them to effectively communicate their platforms to potential voters.

Despite these hurdles, the 1964 elections were a landmark event, with nearly a million people participating. This set the foundation for PNG’s political evolution.

Fast forward to 2025, PNG now boasts a Unicameral legislature of 118 members, indicating a significant expansion and maturation of its parliamentary system since the first elections. This single-chamber legislature continues to shape the nation’s laws and policies, reflecting the continued development of PNG’s democratic institutions. 

How can Papua New Guinea build on its democratic journey since the first election to ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard and represented on the floor of Parliament?