PNG Parliament Urged to Honour Bougainville’s Independence Choice

 PNG Parliament Urged to Honour Bougainville’s Independence Choice

Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has called on Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament to respect the outcome of Bougainville’s independence referendum and work with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to prepare for a peaceful and orderly transition.

Mr Tsiamalili said the next phase required cooperation, careful planning and a shared commitment to honouring the decision made by the people of Bougainville through the agreed referendum process.

Speaking in Parliament, the MP used the Melanesian cultural expression “pasim laplap” to explain the responsibility that comes with accepting a major commitment. He compared the process to two young people choosing to marry, with their families coming together to acknowledge the decision and prepare for their future.

“In the picture of custom I am drawing, two young people express their wish to marry. Their families come together, hear their choice and acknowledge their commitment. They then undertake the preparations needed for a stable future,” he said.

Mr Tsiamalili said Bougainville’s situation required Parliament to recognise the people’s choice while ensuring the necessary arrangements were made to implement it.

“Bougainville’s people have expressed their choice through the agreed referendum process. We are asking Parliament to recognise and support that choice, and for both sides to undertake the work needed to give it effect.”

He said the transition would involve detailed work on governance structures, revenue arrangements, public services, security and the future relationship between Bougainville and PNG.

Mr Tsiamalili called for the preparations to be guided by the Melanesian Framework, with clearly assigned responsibilities, measurable milestones and an agreed timetable to ensure progress remained on track.

He stressed that the cultural reference was intended to explain the spirit of cooperation needed, not to replace the constitutional and legal requirements governing any change in Bougainville’s political status.

The regional member also said the pursuit of independence should not undermine the longstanding connections between Bougainville and the rest of Papua New Guinea.

“The birth of a new nation can carry an enduring relationship between our peoples. We share families, history, sacrifice and responsibilities that will continue into the future.”

He urged fellow parliamentarians to approach the issue with care, recognising their responsibility to protect the peace secured through years of effort and dialogue.

“Yumi redim haus. Yumi wok wantaim. Yumi karim nupela bihain long bel isi.”

“Let us honour the choice, prepare the future and keep faith with the peace we have worked so hard to build.”