Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has reaffirmed his vow to present the results of the 2019 Bougainville referendum in Parliament, a crucial step that could determine the region’s political future. During the Joint Moderation Consultation Meeting between the PNG National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Marape expressed his intention to formally introduce the referendum outcome, which saw an overwhelming 97.7 percent of voters favoring independence.
In his address, Marape encouraged the people of Bougainville to accept the outcome of the forthcoming parliamentary discussions, emphasizing his commitment to uphold the referendum results, acknowledging the clear voice of the majority. This referendum was initiated as part of the historic Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001, which aimed to conclude a decade-long civil conflict in the region.
Despite the strong mandate for independence, parliamentary ratification has encountered delays primarily due to ongoing issues related to disarmament and security. Marape highlighted the need for clarity regarding the status of unaccounted weapons in Bougainville and urged both the ABG and the UN to assist in addressing these concerns. His calls underline the importance of resolving arms disposal challenges that continue to affect the stability of the region.
The meeting underscored the dedication of both governments to navigate these complexities under the leadership of moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae. Bougainville’s President, Ishmael Toroama, further reinforced this commitment, advocating for the urgent tabling of the referendum result in Parliament as the pursuit of independence remains central to Bougainville’s agenda. Toroama’s perspectives stem from his significant role as a negotiator during the peace process, and he articulated the historical context of Bougainville’s demand for self-determination, which predated PNG’s own independence.
As discussions in the Joint Moderation Consultations continue, the PNG Government and ABG are focused on resolving outstanding issues to pave the way for advancing independence discussions in Parliament. This collaborative effort signifies a positive trajectory towards addressing Bougainville’s political aspirations, offering hope for improved governance and sustainable peace for the people of the region.
This moment can be seen as a hopeful turning point for Bougainville, emphasizing the growing commitment to independence, which holds the promise of better governance and a stable future for its citizens.
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