Paulias Matane

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Sir Paulias Matane GCL, GCMG, OBE, KStJ (born 1931), formerly a career civil servant, became Governor-General of Papua New Guinea from June 29, 2004. He was elected by Parliament on May 27, 2004, receiving 50 votes, while his opponent, Sir Pato Kakeraya received 46 votes. Attempts to elect a governor-general had failed repeatedly for six months before Matane's election because of constitutional flaws in the nomination process, and though Matane has been sworn in, controversy continues, as Kakaraya has brought a petition to the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea to attempt to invalidate the election.

Sir Paulias has written many books, focusing in part on his own overseas travels, intended to persuade Papua New Guineans that books are a useful source of information and that they should not regard them as something only for foreigners. For many years he wrote a column in the Malaysian-owned newspaper The National, containing the advice of an elder to the younger generation. He also founded United News Agency of Melanesia.

Preceded by:
Jeffrey Nape (acting)
Governor-General of Papua New Guinea
2004 – present
Incumbent
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