Political tussle may affect B’ville referendum, says official

THE political tussle at the national level may affect Bougainville’s preparation for October’s referendum, an official says.
Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) member for the Selau constituency and chairman of the Bougainville parliamentary select committee on referendum Joseph Watawi wants national leaders to work towards political stability.
Bougainville will go to the polls on Oct 12 to vote whether to remain part of Papua New Guinea or opt for independence. The writs are scheduled to be issued on Aug 16.
However, the national parliament will ratify the outcome of the referendum.
Watawi said parliament should remain focused on Bougainville’s agenda.
“Whatever the outcome of the vote of no confidence against (Prime Minister) Peter O’Neill, Parliament should consider Bougainville’s interest,” Watawi said.
“If there is a change in government, I urge the alternative government to take on what has been outlined in the recent Joint supervisory body meetings.
“Preparations for the referendum are going well with voter registration and awareness.”
The Bougainville Peace Agreement has outlined that a referendum should be held 15 years after the Autonomous Bougainville Government was formed.
ABG was formed on 2005, giving effect to June 2020 as the deadline for the referendum
Watawi said referendum was one of the pillars of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the government should honour it for a lasting peace.