Bougainvilleans urged to use referendum vote responsibly

4:56 pm on 2 October 2019

Bougainville's president has called on the people to ensure the Peace Agreement is achieved when the region votes on independence from Papua New Guinea next month.

Bougainville President John Momis

Bougainville President John Momis Photo: supplied

Bougainville is to hold the referendum from 23 November.

Speaking at the presentation of the referendum writs in Arawa on Tuesday, John Momis said it was an opportunity for Bougainvilleans to determine their future political status.

Mr Momis reiterated that after the vote, the final outcome had to be agreed by the two governments, through consultation and negotiation.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape, who was also in Arawa, shared similar sentiments, and assured people that the national government would ensure that the Bougainville Peace Agreement was achieved.

"I come to honour the spirit and the effect of the Bougainville Peace Agreement to the fullest and we will stand with you every step of the way and the final outcome must be satisfying to us all," he said.

The issue of the Bougainville Referendum Writ

The issue of the Bougainville Referendum Writ on 28 September. Photo: courtesy of BRC

Key dates in the Writ are:

- Polling from 23 November until 7 December

- 20 December as the latest date for the return of the Writ and it will include the number of votes for each option and the number of informal votes.

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