BOUGAINVILLE
IN the 2019 referendum, 97.7 per cent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence from Papua New Guinea.
While the Autonomous Bougainville Government targets statehood, the path to formal sovereignty remains stalled as the PNG Parliament debates ratification and the required constitutional majority.
The 2019 referendum or vote was held in November 2019 under the Bougainville Peace Agreement where the non-binding referendum asked citizens to choose between greater autonomy and full independence.
A staggering 181,067 Bougainvilleans (97.7 per cent) voted for full independence, choosing to end decades of political tension stemming from the civil war from 1988 to 2008.
The delay stems from the fact that the referendum is legally non-binding and requires ratification by the PNG National Parliament, where a two-thirds majority (79 of 118 MPs) is needed to pass the required constitutional amendments.
The Bougainville leaders and the ABG have targeted an independence date of Sept 1, 2027. However, PNG national leaders continue to debate the geopolitical and constitutional implications of secession.
Prime Minister James Marape highlighted in the June parliament session the economic hurdles where Independence negotiations are complicated by Bougainville’s economic fragility, as it relies on PNG and foreign aid for a large part of its budget, making resource management and the reopening of mines critical.
In June, Chairman of the Bipartisan Committee for Bougainville Affairs Dr Allan Marat presented the report of the nationwide consultations conducted regarding the Bougainville referendum. Consultations were held in five locations in all regions around the country and in Bougainville itself.
Participants demonstrated a strong awareness of Bougainville’s historical experience, including colonial administration, the development of the Panguna mine, the conflict of the 1980s and 1990s and the peace process that culminated in the BPA.
At the same time participants expressed differing interpretations of the legal and political implications of the referendum result and the role of the discretion of the National Parliament under the constitutions.
A large proportion of participants, particularly in Bougainville but also in other regions emphasised the importance of respecting the expressed will of Bougainvillean voters. Others placed greater emphasis on constitutional procedure, national cohesion and the practical requirements associated with any change in political status.
Despite differences, several common themes emerged constituently throughout the consultations. These included the central importance of maintaining peace and avoiding a return to conflict, the need for a transparent, well communicated parliamentary processes, and the value of continued dialogue and reconciliation between Bougainville and the rest of PNG.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama is still adamant on Bougainville’s political aspirations, economic development and continued peacebuilding efforts, while calling for a greater understanding of Bougainville’s history and the democratic will of its people. His statement was presented in the Bougainville House of Representatives last week and reflected on recent discussions in the National Parliament regarding the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and the findings of the National Government’s Bi-partisan Committee on Bougainville Matters.
Bougainvilleans must remain united, resilience and optimistic about the future, noting the accelerated pace of development experienced across Bougainville over the past 12 months.”
He said the discussions highlighted differing views on Bougainville’s history, governance and political future.
“Our history speaks for itself where our aspirations for self-determination existed well before the idea of an independent PNG came into being. For more than a century our people have expressed our aspirations for independence and is deeply rooted in its history, cultural identity and the experiences of its people over many generations,” he said.
He emphasised that Bougainville’s political aspirations were not driven by convenience or political expediency, but by the sacrifices, resilience and determination of its people to shape their own future.
On June 15, Bougainvillean’s across the country celebrated the regions foundation day reflecting their journey towards self-governance.
Toroama said it is important for all Bougainvilleans to continue to support one another as Bougainville Day has become an important occasion for reflecting on the sacrifices made during the Bougainville crisis. He said this was to celebrate peace and unity, and recognise the progress achieved in governance, development, and the region’s aspirations for its political future.
The BPA signed in 2001, is a legally binding agreement that ended a decade-long civil war and guaranteed Bougainville the right to hold the referendum. This transition is closely monitored by international partners, including the United Nations, Australia, and New Zealand, who are working to ensure a peaceful outcome that respects the democratic process.
As reported in The National on June 11, Marape had stated the proposed steps for a peaceful transition involving dialogue and consensus. However, in the June sessions, leaders debated on Bougainville’s readiness, including economic self-reliance, security and governance.
Toroama acknowledged that while Bougainville continued to rely on inter-governmental and development partner support, the ABG was focused on building its own revenue base and creating long-term economic opportunities for its people.
“The reason for my silence is because I do not want this government to continue to waste time complaining. Instead, we must invest our time and energy into creating our own revenue. We have already embarked on this path and we will soon reap the benefits of our efforts.
“Also, Bougainville remains one of the most peaceful regions in PNG and that peacebuilding efforts remain a priority of the government.
“The BPA remains the foundation of the political process and autonomy was established as a transitional arrangement to support Bougainville’s post-conflict recovery while preparing for a future political settlement. The most important point that Bougainville and PNG must remember is that autonomy was never intended to be our final destination. Autonomy was intended to be a transitional arrangement to allow Bougainville to rebuild after the war while preparing for a future political settlement.
“Many of the so-called failures of autonomy stem from the fact that Bougainville has been rebuilding a post-conflict society under an arrangement that was intended to be transitional and not in any way permanent.
“Leaders and stakeholders must fully understand Bougainville’s history, the contributions of its people to nation-building, and the sacrifices made throughout the conflict and peace process.
“If there is to be a genuine understanding and lasting peace, it must begin with honestly acknowledging our history and respecting the democratic will of our people.
“Bougainvilleans must remain united, resilient and optimistic about the future, noting the accelerated pace of development experienced across Bougainville over the past 12 months.
“There are many good things happening in Bougainville so we must look forward to them. The last 12 months alone have seen development hit an accelerated pace and this time we are in the driver’s seat of development,” Toroama said.
