Leader of the Opposition (Papua New Guinea)

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Leader of the Opposition is a constitutionally sanctioned office in Papua New Guinea. It originates from Westminster role for a leader of the opposition.

Contents

The Constitution defines the role "for a member of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea as being the principal speaker on behalf of those members of the Parliament who are not generally committed to support the government". [1]

It is claimed that Michael Somare became the first official leader of the opposition in 1968. [2]

Leaders of the Opposition

NameTook officeLeft officeNotes
Michael Somare 19681972 [2]
Matthias Toliman 19721973
Tei Abal 19731978 [3]
Iambakey Okuk 19781980 [4]
Michael Somare March 1980 [5] August 1982 [4]
Ted Diro 19821983 [6]
Iambakey Okuk 19831984 [7]
Stephen Tago 19841985
Paias Wingti April 1985November 1985 [4]
Michael Somare November 1985 [5] June 1988 [5] [4]
Rabbie Namaliu June 1988 [5] July 1988 [4]
Paias Wingti July 19881991 -? [8]
Rabbie Namaliu July 1992 [5] July 1992 [4]
Michael Somare August 1992 [5] March 1993 [4]
Jack Genia March 1993July 1993 [4]
Chris Haiveta August 1993September 1994 [5]
?September 1994August 1995
Roy Yaki August 1995July 1997 [5]
Bernard Narokobi July 1997 [5] 1999 [9]
Bill Skate 19992001
Michael Somare 20012002 [10]
Mekere Morauta 20022004
Peter Yama 20042004 [11]
Peter O'Neill 20042007 [12]
Julius Chan 2007August 2007 [13]
Mekere Morauta August 20072010 [14]
Belden Namah 2010July 2011 [14]
Carol Kidu February 2012June 2012 [15]
Belden Namah August 2012December 2014 [14]
Don Polye December 2014May 2016
Sam Basil May 2016May 2016
Don Polye May 2016August 2017
Patrick Pruaitch August 2017September 2019
Belden Namah September 2019December 2020 [16]
Patrick Pruaitch December 2020August 2022
Joseph Lelang August 2022February 2024
Douglas Tomuriesa February 2024Incumbent

See also

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References

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  14. 1 2 3 "Namah served as minister, opposition leader since 2007 – The National". www.thenational.com.pg.
  15. "Dame Carol Kidu". Pacific Women in Politics.
  16. "Namah still opposition leader, says Speaker". Post Courier. 3 September 2020.