Papua New Guinea
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
61 / 100
Partly Free
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a democracy in which elections are held regularly. Party allegiances are unstable, and only two governments have survived for a full term since independence in 1975. The judiciary retains significant independence, and the media are mostly free to criticize the government. Corruption remains a serious problem.
Research & Recommendations
Papua New Guinea
Partly Free
61
100
| PR Political Rights | 22 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 39 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
61
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a parliamentary system in which elections are held regularly, but the polls have often been marred by irregularities and violence. Party allegiances are unstable, and only two governments have survived for a full term since independence in 1975. Over the past two decades, a boom in mineral resources extraction has helped successive incumbent governments to consolidate more control. The judiciary retains significant independence, and the media are mostly free to criticize the government. Corruption remains a serious problem.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
News and Updates
Featured
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
61
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 11,780,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
