By GINNAH MINI
MINISTER for Bougainville Affairs Manasseh Makiba has urged Parliament to approach the decision on Bougainville’s independence referendum with wisdom, respect for the law and a strong commitment to peace.
Mr Makiba said the decision on the 2019 referendum must be informed by history, grounded in law and reflect the shared desire of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville to secure a peaceful and prosperous future.
“The decision on the referendum must be guided by wisdom, informed by history, grounded in law and reflective of shared desire to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all people in PNG and Bougainville,” he said.
Mr Makiba made the remarks in Parliament after tabling the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum, the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework.
An overwhelming 97.7 percent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence in the 2019 referendum.
The Minister said the referendum issue goes beyond the vote itself, involving the aspirations of the people of Bougainville, the constitutional responsibilities of Parliament and PNG’s commitment to peace, stability and the rule of law.
He said the Melanesian Framework provides a proposed pathway for implementing an affirmative decision by Parliament on the referendum result.
“In the event that members of this House decide to accept the Referendum Results, the Melanesian Framework is the proposed pathway to implement that decision, subject of course to the constitutional, legislative, and administrative measures that would be required to give effect to the various stages of implementation,” Mr Makiba said.
He said that even if Parliament decides not to accept the referendum result, the National Government believes a constructive pathway consistent with the objectives and principles of the Bougainville Peace Agreement remains possible.
The Joint Consultation Report records consultations undertaken between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government over the past six years, fulfilling a process provided for under the
Bougainville Peace Agreement and PNG’s Constitution.
Mr Makiba said the process now places an important responsibility on Parliament to make a decision that considers Bougainville’s aspirations while protecting the country’s peace and stability.