The president of the Papua New Guinea Law Society, Hubert Namani, has criticized the recently introduced Counter-Terrorism Act 2024, National Executive Council Act 2025, and Constitutional Amendment No 48 regarding motions of no confidence as measures that endanger democracy. Speaking after a lawyers’ march for the rule of law, he expressed concerns that these laws threaten to undermine the checks and balances essential for a democratic society.
Namani pointed out that these new regulations are replacing laws that previously ensured transparency and judicial oversight with measures that concentrate power and restrict legal challenges. “Democracy thrives on the ability to question authority and challenge decisions affecting our lives,” he stated, noting a disturbing trend of increasing restrictions on citizens’ rights to seek justice and demand accountability.
Specifically, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 grants police increased powers, including immunity from civil and criminal liability, which raises alarms about potential human rights abuses. Namani highlighted the law’s broad definition of terrorism, warning that it could unjustly define dissenters—activists, journalists, or opposition members—as terrorists merely for expressing opposition to government policies.
He expressed further dismay regarding the National Executive Council Act 2025, which could make the decisions of the NEC non-reviewable by the judiciary, effectively sidelining judicial oversight. “These legislative shifts point towards a troubling drift into authoritarianism,” he cautioned, underlining the daily impact on the lives of Papua New Guineans facing increasing lawlessness and human rights violations.
Despite the grave situation, Namani emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and reform in governance, stating that while development and economic growth are vital, they must not come at the expense of law and order. The call for reform resonates with ongoing discussions about governance in the region, as seen in previous articles regarding political stability and minimizing public unrest.
In this precarious time, there exists the potential for citizens and leaders alike to advocate for a reversal of these measures, ensuring that Papua New Guinea remains on a path that upholds democratic values and human rights. The collective call for reform reflects an optimistic commitment to safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles.
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