PNG Parliament Holds Final Say on Bougainville Status, Says Marape

 Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament remains the body responsible for making the final decision on Bougainville’s political status, Prime Minister James Marape has stated amid renewed discussions on the region’s future.

The Prime Minister’s comments come after Bougainville leaders endorsed resolutions in Kokopo outlining a timetable towards independence and proposing a self-government declaration should parliamentary ratification not be secured.

PNG Parliament Holds Final Say on Bougainville Status, Says Marape

Mr Marape said while the Government recognised the aspirations of the people of Bougainville, all decisions concerning the region’s future must proceed through mechanisms established under the Constitution.

He referred to reports indicating that the Autonomous Bougainville Government had passed a resolution seeking a declaration of self-government by September next year.

During the Kokopo meeting, Bougainville leaders agreed that independence should be pursued by 2030. They also discussed alternative constitutional measures that could be taken through the Bougainville House of Representatives if parliamentary approval was not achieved.

Mr Marape stressed that the constitutional process agreed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement remained binding on all parties and could not be bypassed.

He noted that the referendum result was an important component of the peace process but said the Constitution clearly requires Parliament to examine the outcome and determine the next course of action.

The Prime Minister added that the constitutional arrangements established in 2001 were understood and accepted by Bougainville leaders, the National Government and international partners involved in supporting the peace process.

“The Government respects the views of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the aspirations of the people of Bougainville, however, the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Part 14 of the Constitution provide the only lawful pathway for determining Bougainville's political future.

“Section 342(2) of the Constitution expressly provides that the National Parliament must consider the referendum outcome and make the final decision.

“No declaration, resolution or unilateral action can substitute for the constitutional authority vested in Parliament.

“The constitutional process is well understood by Bougainville leaders, the national government, the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, the Commonwealth and the wider international community.”