PNG Moves Toward Historic Bougainville Vote as Parliament Set to Debate Referendum

A landmark decision on Bougainville's political future is now within reach after Papua New Guinea completed the constitutional consultation process required before Parliament considers the region's 2019 referendum result.

Leaders from the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government yesterday endorsed the final consultation documents during a Joint Supervisory Body meeting, officially preparing the referendum outcome for debate in Parliament on August 27.

 PNG Moves Toward Historic Bougainville Vote as Parliament Set to Debate Referendum/Photo supplied

The approval of the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework marks the completion of years of consultations following Bougainville's overwhelming vote in favour of independence.

Under the Constitution, Parliament is responsible for making the final decision after consultations between both governments have been completed.

Prime Minister James Marape and Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael Toroama signed the JSB resolutions before witnesses including Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba and ABG Vice President and Attorney-General Ezekiel Masatt.

Mr Marape said the constitutional obligations arising from the Bougainville Peace Agreement had now been fulfilled by the National Government.

He said the consultation process, which traces its origins to the 2001 Peace Agreement, had reached its conclusion, allowing Parliament to perform its constitutional role.

The Prime Minister said Members of Parliament would debate the matter before individually casting their votes.

He urged citizens throughout Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to allow the democratic process to continue peacefully.

Mr Marape said the relationship between the two governments would continue beyond Parliament's decision and welcomed the Melanesian Framework as a mechanism for future cooperation and reconciliation.

He also thanked President Toroama, Vice President Masatt, technical officials, ministers, previous leaders and development partners who contributed to maintaining peace throughout the consultation period.

The JSB further agreed to advance Bougainville's financial autonomy through the transfer of all locally generated revenue from fisheries, mining, forestry, land and other relevant taxes by December 31, 2026, while work will continue to hand over remaining constitutional powers to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Mr Marape said the Government remained committed to honouring every aspect of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and called on churches and citizens to pray for wisdom, peace and unity ahead of Parliament's sitting on August 27.

"This is a process that began with the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. It became part of our Constitution. The Constitution required that a referendum be held, consultations take place, and that the National Parliament make the final decision."

"Every Member of Parliament will have the opportunity to speak. Every Member will then stand and cast his or her vote according to conscience, guided by the Constitution and the interests of our country."

"For twenty-five years we have honoured the Bougainville Peace Agreement through dialogue, patience and constitutional process. Whatever the outcome, let history record that Papua New Guinea and Bougainville chose peace over conflict, dialogue over violence, and constitutional democracy over division."