25 Feb 2020

Bougainville govt challenging two parliamentary decisions

3:54 pm on 25 February 2020

Bougainville's government is challenging two decisions made by Parliament last week.

Bougainville President John Momis

Bougainville President, John Momis. Photo: supplied

In a statement, the government said it is filing a Supreme Court reference over the House rejecting a push to allow a president to hold the office for a third term.

This change was to allow the incumbent John Momis, who is about to finish his second term, contest the election in May.

There is a desire among some in Bougainville for Mr Momis to remain in charge and oversee the post-referendum negotiations.

The government said to restrict someone from standing denies them their constitutional rights.

Others have said two terms, or 10 years, in charge is enough.

The government is also challenging the retention of the three seats for ex-combatants.

It said the Speaker was wrong to allow the ex-combatant MPs to vote and to include a vote for a recently deceased MP.

The government said it was also seeking a Supreme Court ruling on the actions taken by the Speaker on this issue.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs