Papua New Guinea 1978: Year of the OPM

Abstract

THE YEAR 1978 has been the most turbulent since Papua New Guinea (PNG) gained independence in 1975. Massive internal and external pressures converged on the new government elected in July 1977, leading to the submission of parliamentary votes of no confidence against the ruling Somare-Chan coalition partnership. The internal pressures were created substantially because of widespread popular feelings that corruption in the public service was becoming widespread, especially in the higher echelons of the bureaucracy. Prime Minister Michael Somare, pressured by the radical wing in his Pangu Pati, introduced a tough anti-corruption leadership code intended to disclose the sources of income and restrict the forms of property ownership of cabinet ministers and senior public servants. Somare's coalition partner, the People's Progress Party led by businessman Julius Chan and committed to a free enterprise system and foreign investment, was not consulted about the code before it was introduced in Parliament, and threatened to withdraw from the partnership if the code was not watered down or withdrawn altogether. Although Somare controlled only 45 of the 109 seats in PNG's unicameral Parliament while his coalition partner had 20, he proceeded with the code. A reinvigorated opposition party called the People's United Front collaborated secretly with Chan's PPP in introducing a vote of no confidence in Somare. Political tension escalated in the country as it became evident that a change of government was eminent. With defeat seeming inevitable, Somare at the very last minute withdrew the leadership bill, thereby retaining the support of his coalition partner and defeating the vote of no confidence.