PNG MPs urged to slow down before making historic Bougainville decision

Papua New Guinea’s Parliament is being urged to take its time before deciding whether to ratify Bougainville’s overwhelming vote for independence.

Opposition leader James Nomane says MPs need more time to study the referendum result and related reports before making what he calls “the most consequential question” Parliament will face.

The call comes as MPs prepare to debate the 2019 referendum result, in which 97.7 per cent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence.

Nomane says MPs need to fully understand what independence could mean for Bougainville and the rest of PNG before making a decision.

“For all members of Parliament, this will be the most consequential question that we will have to decide upon,” he told MPs.

“It is incumbent on the executive government and all leaders to understand the issues that have been placed before us, the gravity of the situation and the desires of the people of Bougainville through a 97.7 referendum result.”

President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama, left, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. Photo/PMN News composite

He is calling for more awareness among MPs and more time to consider the material before them.

“We all have to take the time from now until the next Parliament sitting to not only glaze through it, flip through the pages, but to apply pensive contemplation.”

Nomane says the decision needs to be based on a proper understanding of the choices facing the country.

Bougainvilleans during the 2019 referendum on the region’s political future, with 97.7 per cent voting for independence. The result is now before Papua New Guinea’s Parliament for consideration. Photo/Autonomous Bougainville Government

“This requires us to carefully go through the material before us, to understand the issues at hand, to really look at the desires that the people of Bougainville expressed when they voted for independence, and then to determine the best way forward for our country,” he said.

He also questioned what could happen under either outcome.

“What would be the implications if government grants independence to Bougainville and what would be the implications if an agreement isn't reached?”

PNG Prime Minister James Marape has also warned MPs and the public against allowing the debate to create division.

He says the referendum was legitimate and peaceful and that the overwhelming result must be respected.

“The Referendum was legitimate, peaceful and overwhelming in its result, and we respect the voice expressed by the people of Bougainville,” Marape said in a statement.

Ishmael Toroama, in white shirt, following the confirmation of his election win. Photo/Facebook/Autonomous Bougainville Government

But he says the final decision belongs to Parliament under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.

“This is not an ordinary parliamentary debate. It concerns our Constitution, our sovereignty, our national identity, the aspirations of the Bougainville people and, above all, the peace that our people have worked so hard to maintain.”

Bougainvilleans voted in 2019 after years of conflict and negotiations over the region’s political future.

The referendum was non-binding, meaning PNG’s Parliament must now decide whether to ratify the result.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been working towards greater self-rule, with leaders targeting independence in 2030.

ABG President Ishmael Toroama says Bougainville is already working to build the laws and institutions it needs for its political and economic future.

Bougainville leaders continue preparations for greater self-government as the region awaits a decision from PNG’s Parliament on the 2019 independence referendum. Photo/Autonomous Bougainville Government

“The ABG remains committed to strengthening the institutions, laws, revenue systems and administrative capacity required for Bougainville to effectively govern itself and deliver services to its people,” he said.

That work includes strengthening Bougainville’s mining laws, with the ABG recently completing consultations on a proposed Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill.

Toroama says strong laws and institutions are part of preparing Bougainville for greater self-government.

“The development of strong laws and institutions is an important part of Bougainville's preparations for its political and economic future...

"Your responsibility is to contribute your views so that the Government can develop strong legislation that protects the wider public interests of Bougainville.”

Watch ABC Pacific correspondent Belinda Kora's report from Bougainville below.

But Nomane says the immediate focus is on making sure PNG’s MPs understand the decision before them.

“This issue has created a lot of anxiety, ambiguity and confusion. That is why many MPs have not been informed and Parliament is not full,” he said.

For Bougainville, the preparations for greater self-government are continuing while it waits for PNG’s Parliament to decide whether to ratify the referendum result.