Former president calls for unity

FORMER Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) president James Tanis is calling for unity and solidarity among Bougainville leaders.
Tanis said he was concerned about the possible fallout from the current constitutional amendments now that consultations were going on in Bougainville’s three regions to gauge the views of the people.
“My concern is that the Bougainville leadership has already been divided even before going to the ABG elections and the post referendum consultation with the PNG government on the results of the referendum,” he said.
“I see two scenarios – firstly, if the amendment goes ahead and the current president contests and wins, those that are opposing the amendments may challenge the outcome of the ABG elections.
“Secondly, if the amendment is not successful and the current president does not contest in the coming election, it may cause instability in the government.
“The current ABG leadership will not support the 2020 ABG with their knowledge of the current post referendum preparations.”
Tanis said all this would cause the government to lose focus on the post referendum consultation as the 2020 Bougainville government would still be arguing on issues arising from the amendment and the election which could cause tension among the people.