Power to the people? Decentralizationin Papua New Guinea

Since 1977, after pressure from secessionists, Papua New Guinea has, with both boldness and hesitancy, sought to decentralize its unitary state. Nineteen elected provincial governments, which are financially dependent on the centre, now control the former colonial districts and the national government public servants within them. National parliamentarians, while competing with provincial governments, have gained strong influence over some of these nominally autonomous bodies. The hoped‐for popular mobilization and the intended sensitization and improved co‐ordination of the public service have not occurred widely, but rather abuses of position, waste of resources and a decline in the legitimacy of the state have resulted. This scheme, which was ill‐suited to the political culture, the country's economic and financial balance and the available human resources, is being re‐assessed at the national level.