Wingti, Paias (1951-…), a Roman Catholic Highlander, was prime minister of Papua New Guinea from 1985 to 1988 and from 1992 to 1994. He was born on Feb. 2, 1951, in Moika village, near Mount Hagen, in Western Highlands province. In 1977, he ran for Parliament while studying at the University of Papua New Guinea, and his election ended his studies. He held a number of posts in Prime Minister Michael Somare’s ministry, including the position of minister for transport and civil aviation. In 1982, he became deputy prime minister. He resigned in February 1985 and formed his own opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Movement. He led the opposition until he replaced Somare in November 1985.
In 1988, Rabbie Namaliu replaced Wingti as prime minister. Wingti became prime minister again in 1992 and served until 1994, when Sir Julius Chan replaced him. In 1995, as part of reforms to the Papua New Guinea system of provincial government, the member of Parliament representing each province became the governor of that province. As a result, Wingti became governor of Western Highlands province. In the 1997 elections, Wingti lost his seat in Parliament and his position as Western Highlands governor. In the 2002 elections, he regained both positions.
