BOUGAINVILLE Regional MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Bougainville, in its quest for political independence, must look at the future relationship it wants to build with Papua New Guinea.
“As PNG continues its important discussions on the future political status of Bougainville, I believe it is equally important that we lift our eyes beyond the immediate debates of Bougainville’s political future today and begin to imagine the relationship we wish to build for future generations,” he said.
Tsiamalili reflected on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV of the Constitution of PNG, the recent consensus reached by Bougainville’s elected leadership, and the overwhelming referendum mandate.
He said the debates all provided Bougainville with a pathway forward and the challenge was not simply a legal or political one but a question of vision.
“For many years, discussions have often been framed as a choice between remaining as we are or a complete separation,” he said.
“Yet as Melanesian people, our history teaches us that relationships are rarely defined in such absolute terms.
“The recent Bougainville leadership consultations reaffirmed our collective commitment to a peaceful and lawful pathway toward self-government and eventual independence, while recognising the importance of preserving peace, stability and respectful engagement with
PNG.
“As Bougainville advances toward greater political responsibility, we must continue to explore solutions that honor both the democratic aspirations of our people and the enduring bonds that connect us to PNG.
“In my personal view, the future should be guided by a carefully managed and measured transition, where increasing levels of self-government are matched by demonstrated progress in governance, economic development, fiscal capacity, institution
building, law and justice, revenue generation and public service readiness.”
