MINISTER for Bougainville Affairs, Hon. Manasseh Makiba, says the debate on the 2019 Bougainville referendum results provides an important opportunity for Members of Parliament to consider the historical context, constitutional framework, expressed wishes of the people of Bougainville and the implications of the decision before the House.
Makiba made the remarks today at the commencement of the parliamentary debate on the referendum results.
He said that, following consultations between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) pursuant to Section 342 of the Constitution, the referendum results were now before Parliament for a decision.
He stressed that, regardless of the outcome, the responsibility to preserve peace and maintain dialogue would remain paramount.
“If the House affirms the referendum results, the Ratification Framework sets out a proposed pathway under which the implementation of independence must proceed carefully and responsibly, in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” he said.
“If the House does not affirm the results, the National Government believes a constructive pathway consistent with the Bougainville Peace Agreement remains possible,” he added.
Makiba outlined four key pillars for this alternative pathway:
- Completing the drawdown and ensuring the effective exercise of the remaining autonomous powers under Part XIV of the Constitution, particularly Section 290.
- Continuing to strengthen Bougainville’s institutions, governance and administrative capacity.
- Maintaining a strong focus on economic growth, fiscal sustainability and the development of Bougainville’s financial self-reliance.
- Continuing good-faith consultations through existing constitutional mechanisms, including the Joint Supervisory Body and other agreed forums, supported by periodic reviews.
“Through these measures, the aspirations of Bougainville would remain part of our national dialogue, and the possibility of future consideration of its political status would remain open,” he said.
He further noted that any future consideration of Bougainville’s political status would require a definitive interpretation by the Supreme Court to address the constitutional tension between Section 2, which concerns state sovereignty, and Section 339.
Makiba urged Members of Parliament to listen carefully, debate respectfully and weigh the wishes expressed by the people of Bougainville against their constitutional responsibilities and the national interest.
“In my considered view, Bougainville deserves to be independent, and it will be at some point when the time is right and when the constitutional issue is reconciled,” he concluded.