Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has reiterated his dedication to presenting the results of the 2019 Bougainville referendum in Parliament to finalize the region’s political future. Speaking during the Joint Moderation Consultation Meeting between the PNG National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Marape expressed readiness to formally introduce the 97.7 percent referendum result, where voters overwhelmingly favored independence.
The Prime Minister urged Bougainvilleans to accept the outcome of the parliamentary discussion, stating his willingness to respect the referendum results, akin to how he acknowledged the majority vote. The referendum was part of a historic path established by the Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001, which aimed to bring closure to a decade-long civil conflict.
Despite the clear vote for independence, the process toward parliamentary ratification has faced delays due to unresolved issues. Marape emphasized the importance of addressing concerns, particularly regarding disarmament, asking the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the United Nations to clarify the status of any unaccounted weapons in the region. His concerns reflect ongoing issues with arms disposal that have lingered since the peace agreement.
The joint meeting highlighted the longstanding commitment of both governments to resolve these issues under the guidance of Moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae. This commitment was reaffirmed by Bougainville’s President, Ishmael Toroama, who stressed that the pursuit of independence remains the core agenda for Bougainville and urged the Prime Minister to ensure the referendum result is tabled in Parliament.
Toroama’s advocacy is rooted in his experiences as a key negotiator during the original peace negotiations and reflects the region’s aspirations to solidify its governance framework and pursue sovereignty. He reminded attendees that the independence movement has historical significance, with Bougainvilleans advocating for self-determination well before PNG’s formal independence.
As the Joint Moderation Consultations continue, both the PNG Government and ABG work toward addressing the necessary issues before the independence discussions move forward in Parliament. This effort indicates a constructive pathway to potentially resolving Bougainville’s political future and fulfilling the democratic aspirations of its people.
This situation encapsulates an energizing moment for Bougainville, as the commitment to independence grows stronger, offering hope for enhanced governance and lasting peace in the region.
Leave a comment