PNG Ratification Process Central as Bougainville Pushes Toward Independence

 PNG Ratification Process Central as Bougainville Pushes Toward Independence [photo President Ishmael Toroama]

Six years after Bougainvilleans voted overwhelmingly for independence, the Autonomous Bougainville Government says it expects Papua New Guinea’s Parliament to finalise the ratification process next year.

President Ishmael Toroama told the Bougainville House of Representatives during deliberations on the 2026 budget that the government remains confident the process will be completed in 2026, in line with the agreed 2027 transition timeframe.

The 2019 referendum delivered a clear mandate, with 97.7 per cent of voters choosing independence, but the outcome still requires formal parliamentary action under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, following consultation between both governments.

President Toroama urged leaders to enter the coming year with unity and purpose, saying the independence journey carries deep historical and emotional weight for the people of Bougainville.

He reminded members that the civil conflict claimed thousands of lives and that current leaders have a responsibility to honour those sacrifices by staying committed to the agreed political process.

Economic planning also featured in his address, with the possible reopening of the Panguna Mine highlighted as part of efforts to strengthen Bougainville’s financial base ahead of statehood.

The President said Bougainville intends to chart its own course on resource development without pressure or influence from PNG or Australia as it prepares for independence.

“We lost 15,000 to 20,000 lives in the crisis. If the National Parliament ratifies and says no, then there is a constitutional blunder. If they say no, we as Bougainvilleans will not mind them. It would be as if they are faking their constitution if Bougainville is not granted independence,” he said.