Momis discusses eligibility to vote

VOTING eligibility in Bougainville’s referendum will be the same as the national elections, Autonomous Bougainville government president Dr John Momis says.
Momis, was responding to questions arising in the province when the Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) released the criteria for voters in the referendum on Oct 2.
Among the criteria, a non-Bougainvillean living in Bougainville for more than six-months is eligible to vote in the referendum.
Momis said BRC was set up by ABG and the National Government to administer the referendum in an impartial and inclusive manner.
“Section 315 of the Agreement and the Organic Law on Peace building and Bougainville Referendum gives the right to vote to all Papua New Guinea citizens who have resided in Bougainville for at least six months and meet other criteria such as age,” he said.
“The rules for who can register and vote at the referendum date back to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which states – in section 315 – that ‘the eligibility to vote in the referendum will be the same as national elections in Bougainville plus non-resident Bougainvilleans’”.
“After the enrolment period, the draft role will be displayed for public inspection and objection.”
A critique Desmond Ponpon said the criteria was undermining the purpose of the referendum.
“Why is it that PNG’s electoral voting criteria and eligibility play a superseding role in Bougainvilleans’ aspirations to vote in the referendum?” he asked.
“I respect the explanations by our president on section 315 of the BPA and the roles of BRC.
“But my patriotic view is that Bougainville’s political struggle is not a five-year determination that qualifies all other PNG citizens living in Bougainville for the past six months to vote in the referendum.”