[2] It was founded in 1995 after the dissolution of the Melanesian Alliance Party members John Momis, Bernard Narokobi who merged with Moi Avei, Bart Philemon and Masket Iangalio, who then invited Sir Michael Somare to lead them to the 1997 elections after he had been sacked as leader of the Pangu Party.

Michael Somare was easily confirmed by Parliament for another term as prime minister, as several parties joined a coalition with the National Alliance, and 13 independents announced their decision to join the National Alliance party, bringing its representation to 40 members.

In January 2012, Polye purported to de-register the NAP, despite the existence of a rival faction.

[4][5][6] In late March 2017, Michael Somare bid farewell to the party alongside his decision to not contest his constituency in the 2017 General Election.

[7] In May 2017, the party withdrew from O'Neill's government coalition with People's National Congress, ending a five-year agreement.