More awareness needed, says Sir Puka

BOUGAINVILLE Affairs Minister Sir Puka Temu, pictured, says awareness is yet to reach four areas on Bougainville.
“Three of these areas are in the Atolls districts and one in Wakunai,” he said.
“We will reach these areas before the referendum takes place.”
Sir Puka said most people now understood “what is independence and what is greater autonomy”.
Meanwhile the Bougainville Referendum Commission has provided a report on referendum preparations to the House of Representatives.
Commissioner Patrick Nisira and Chief Referendum Officer Mauricio Claudio told the House that the Commission was on track to deliver polling from Nov 23.
They urged members to deliver clear messages about the public display of the preliminary roll.
“We have recently travelled around Bougainville to consult with 37 community governments and we’re satisfied that this will be a peaceful referendum,” Nisira said.
“People are taking ownership of the process and are ensuring that they are prepared, and also maintaining a peaceful environment.
“We are managing our costs within the budget and the six-week extension by the two governments,” he said.
“There will be no more delays, extensions or deferrals.”
Deputy Speaker Francesca Semoso commended the commission on its comprehensive progress report, but questioned whether the ballot papers would be publicly displayed ahead of polling.