The President of Bougainville has called on the new Papua New Guinea Prime Minister to quickly sort out issues or they risk undermining the referendum.
Bougainville President John Momis Photo: supplied
John Momis said James Marape has to make good on funding commitments and regulations concerning voter registration.
In October Bougainville is due to vote on possible independence from PNG.
But the work of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, headed by former Irish prime minister, Bertie Ahern, is largely at a standstill because promised funding from Port Moresby of $US5.8 million hasn't been paid.
As well, the Commission needs the National Executive Council to sign off on the regulations that govern the enrolment of voters - Mr Momis said the draft was completed weeks ago, and this needs to be actioned as soon as possible.
Mr Momis also said the latest PNG Budget failed completely to provide for funding for the Bougainville government itself - funding that is constitutionally guaranteed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
He said it was the first time ever that no such provision had been made.
