Praise for efforts made for Bougainville referendum

The National National

Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Joseph Nobetau has commended public servants for making significant progress in preparation for the referendum in June next year.
He said this during his quarterly update report on the Bougainville Public Service.
The public service has made a good progress, including finalising the question to be put during the referendum, voting criteria, general awareness and establishment of the Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC).
Nobetau said there were also continued efforts to address peace and stability including weapons disposal, reconciliation and dialogue with national and international partners.
“A key focus in the next six months will be supporting the referendum on Bougainville’s long-term political future which is scheduled to take place on June 15 next year,” he
said.
Nobetau also noted the need for continued engagement with the national government on constitutionally-guaranteed grants and other aspects associated with the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“Without funding, it is not possible to deliver on the key priorities of the government,” he said.
“It is essential that the issue of arrears owed and the restoration and development grants be resolved as soon as possible.”
Over the last three months, the Bougainville administration has continued to work around referendum awareness in partner with the United Nations and the BRC.
They have looked at:

  • Scoping of a regional security mission to support the referendum;
  • the post-referendum transition period;
  • establishment of a political dialogue; and,
  • Establishment of a joint ministerial referendum transitional taskforce.