PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has described the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) Meeting with Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Hon. Ishmael Toroama as a historic milestone in Papua New Guinea’s nation-building journey, marking the successful conclusion of the Constitutional Consultation Process on the 2019 Bougainville Referendum Results.
The Meeting, held on Wednesday (05/08/26) at Melanesian Haus, endorsed the Joint Consultation Report (JCR) and the Melanesian Framework, paving the way for the Referendum Results to be formally tabled in the National Parliament on Thursday, 27 August 2026, for Members of Parliamentto deliberate upon and make a Decision in accordance with the Constitution.
Prime Minister Marape and President Toroama jointly signed the Resolutions of the JSB Meeting, witnessed by Minister for Bougainville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba and ABG Vice President and Attorney-General Hon. Ezekiel Masatt.
A Constitutional Journey since the Peace Agreement
Prime Minister Marape said the events of today represented the culmination of a long Constitutional Processthat began with the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in
2001, following nearly a decade of conflict. The Peace Agreement, subsequently entrenched in Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, provided for a deferred Referendum on Bougainville’s political future, followed by Consultations between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government before the matter would ultimately be considered by the National Parliament.
The Bougainville Referendum was held peacefully in 2019, where approximately 97.7 percent of participating Voters chose ‘Independence’. Prime Minister Marape stressed that the Constitution has always been clear that while the Referendum Result is highly significant, the final Decision rests with the National Parliament after proper Consultation.
“Today we have concluded a historic JSB — the last Joint Supervisory Body Meeting before the National Parliament takes possession of the Referendum Results,” Prime Minister Marape said. “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.”
Parliament must be Allowed to Exercise its Constitutional Responsibility
Prime Minister Marape said the Government has faithfully fulfilled every Constitutional obligation required under the Peace Agreement and the Constitution. Today’s JSB
endorsed the Joint Consultation Report as the accurate record of Consultations undertaken since the Referendum and approved its tabling before Parliament together with the Melanesian Framework. The JSB also recognised that the Constitutional Consultation Requirements under Section 342 have now been fulfilled.
The Prime Minister said Members of Parliament must now be allowed to discharge their Constitutional responsibilitiesfreely, thoughtfully and without intimidation. “The National Government and the National Parliament are two separate Institutions. Government has completed its Constitutional responsibilities. Parliament must now undertake its Constitutional responsibility. 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.
Prime Minister Marape urged all Papua New Guineans and Bougainvilleans to respect the Parliamentary process. “I encourage everyone to continue talking peacefully. This is a difficult relationship, but it is a family relationship. Dialogue must continue.”
Parliament’s Decision is not the End of the Journey
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that whatever Decision Parliament reaches, it will not mark the end of Relations between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. “Whatever
Decision Parliament makes, the story between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville will still roll on. This is not the end of the road. It is simply another important stage of a journey we have travelled together for twenty-five years.” He assured both Governments that after Parliament reaches its Decision, the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government will continue discussions regarding the Way Forward. “Two Governments will meet again after Parliament hasspoken. We will continue to discuss ourfuture together.”
Melanesian Framework Charts Peaceful Path Forward
Prime Minister Marape welcomed today’s endorsement of the Melanesian Framework, describing it as an important jointly-developed Pathway designed to guide future engagement between the two Governments following Parliament’s Decision. The Framework reflects years of Consultations undertaken across several Meetings between both Governments and provides agreed Principlesfor maintaining peace, dialogue, reconciliation and orderly implementation of whatever pathway emerges following Parliament’s deliberations. Prime Minister Marape commended President Toroama, Vice President Masatt, the Joint Technical Team, Ministers and Officials from both Governments for their commitment to Peaceful Dialogue throughout the Consultation Process. He also acknowledged the contribution of previous Prime Ministers, Bougainville Leaders and the International Partners who have supported the Peace Process since 2001.
Strengthening Bougainville’s Fiscal Powers
Apart from the Referendum process, today’s JSB also agreed on further practical steps to strengthen Bougainville’s Autonomy through greater Fiscal Responsibility. The Meeting resolved to progress work towards transferring 100 percent of Revenue generated within Bougainville from Fisheries, Mining, Forestry, Land and other relevant Taxes by 31 December 2026, while also accelerating the transfer of outstanding Constitutional Powers to the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Prime Minister Marape said these Measures demonstrate the National Government’s genuine commitment to fully implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
National Day of Prayer and Repentance
Prime Minister Marape noted the significance that Parliament will consider the Referendum Results on 27 August 2026, immediately following Papua New Guinea’s National Day of Prayer and Repentance on 26 August. He called upon all Churches, Christians and Citizens throughout Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to pray for wisdom, unity, reconciliation and peace as the Nation approaches this historic Constitutional moment. “As Christians, we must remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.’
(Matthew 5:9). I ask all Papua New Guineans and Bougainvilleans to continue praying for our Nation, our Parliament and our Leaders. Let us approach this important moment not with fear or division, but with humility, wisdom and a commitment to lasting Peace.”
A Historic Chapter in Papua New Guinea’s Democracy
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea has demonstrated to the world that even the most difficult National Questions can be addressed peacefully through Constitutional Democracy rather than conflict. He said the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement over the past 25 years stands as one of the greatest achievements in the nation’s history. “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.”