The relationship between decentralisation and democracy is widely debated. The argument that regional autonomy promotes the consolidation of local democracy needs re-examination in the light of the prevailing trend of the decline of democracy. This article analyses Papua’s special autonomy and its effects on democratic processes, focussing on gubernatorial elections and the institutionalisation of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP). My findings suggest that the implementation of special autonomy has led to a decline in democratic practices rather than promoting them. Central intervention has diminished local political autonomy. Moreover, local institutional dynamics have been influenced by ethnically based oligarchic elites, which compromises electoral integrity and political inclusivity. The aforementioned factors impede the democratic objectives of special autonomy in Papua.