House asked to follow process

THE Ombudsman Commission has appealed to the Bougainville House of Representatives (BHR) to observe and follow processes and procedures set out by the PNG and Bougainville constitutions when proposing amendments to its constitution.
They stated that in light of the ABG’s proposal, to amend Section 89 of the Bougainville constitution to allow for an extension of the term of the president of the Bougainville House of Representatives for more than two terms.
An amendment to the provision of the Bougainville constitution provides for the establishment of three seats for former combatants and a proposal to change the name of the Bougainville government from ABG to Bougainville Constitutional Transitional Government (BCTG).
The Ombudsman Commission emphasised that section 300 of the PNG constitution stated that the Bougainville constitution formed part of the laws of Papua New Guinea.
Therefore they should strictly observe and follow the processes and procedures that are set out by the PNG constitution and the constitution of Bougainville 2004.
The commission’s advice to the National government and the BHR for this matter was in compliance with the OC’s purposes under section 218 (a) of the constitution, as to ensure that all government bodies are responsive to the needs and aspiration of the people.
The OC stated that in fulfilling its purpose under section 218 (a) of the national constitution, they urged that the BHR fully comply with the processes and procedures stipulated under section 314 of PNG’s constitution and section 219 of AROB constitution.
This is to ensure that there is a coherent and smooth flow of the constitution amendments as required by the law.