Bougainville and Papua New Guinea decide on date for referendum result to be tabled

Papua New Guinea's parliament is set to deliberate on the Bougainville independence referendum results on August 27, ending months of uncertainty. The decision follows a meeting in Port Moresby between PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, who co-chair the Joint Supervisory Body.

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The Bougainville independence referendum result will be tabled in Papua New Guinea's national parliament on 27 August.

The 2019 referendum overwhelmingly favored independence, with 97.7 percent of respondents voting yes. However, the referendum is non-binding, and its ratification rests with the national parliament. A record of consultations since the referendum and the Melanesian Framework, outlining the path forward, will also be presented.

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After months of uncertainty, both governments have resolved that the Bougainville referendum results will finally be tabled for parliamentary deliberation in three week's time.

Both Marape and Toroama will jointly determine the specific date for the parliamentary vote on ratification. This comes after a June announcement by PNG's government that the ratification threshold would be three-quarters of MPs, a higher bar than the usual two-thirds required for constitutional amendments.

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It follows a meeting in Port Moresby of the Joint Supervisory Body, co-chaired by PNG prime minister James Marape and Bougainville's president Ishmael Toroama.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government previously announced plans for independence by 2030, with preparations for self-government to continue until September 1, 2027. These preparations focus on strengthening institutions, governance, peace, security, and economic readiness. PNG's ruling PANGU Party has indicated support for a 15-year transition process, contingent on Bougainville demonstrating financial self-sufficiency and maintaining peace and stability.

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The 2019 referendum saw 97.7 percent of respondents say yes to independence, although the referendum is non-binding and subject to parliament's decision whether to ratify or not.