PNG parliament to elect new vice-regal

3:18 pm on 26 January 2017

Papua New Guinea's parliament is expected to elect a new Governor-General next month.

Sir Michael Ogio, Govenor General of Papua New Guinea.

Sir Michael Ogio, Govenor General of Papua New Guinea. Photo: Government House PNG

The term for the current Queen's representative, Sir Michael Ogio, is nearing an end.

Sir Michael, who took up the role in February 2011, was in a critical condition late last year following complications from heart surgery, but his condition has since stabilised.

It is unclear who the government is considering to nominate for the position.

However the parliamentary opposition offered to nominate the former MP and state minister Dame Carol Kidu for the role.

But Dame Carol has declined the offer, saying the timing is not right for her.

PNG has had nine vice-regals since it gained independence in 1975, all of them men.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs