Four Constitutional Steps for Bougainville Matters

Regional Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Jr has detailed the four constitutional steps required to address Bougainville's future political status, emphasizing that the current parliamentary debate is a mandated part of this process. Speaking during the debate on the report of the Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters, Tsiamalili Jr explained that the first step, a referendum on political status, has already occurred and was conducted in accordance with Section 338 of the constitution. The process was internationally observed and accepted by both governments.

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Step one was the referendum, and Section 338 required that a referendum be conducted on Bougainville’s future political status, as we all know. The referendum occurred. The constitution was obeyed.

The second step, Section 342, requires consultation between the national government and the autonomous Bougainville government, which Tsiamalili Jr stated has taken place over successive governments. He highlighted that the final step, Section 342(2), necessitates a final consideration by the national parliament. "This is why this matter before us today matters. Not because Bougainville demanded it... But because the constitution requires it," he asserted, underscoring that the process is constitutional and its outcome is clear.

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Section 342 requires consultation between the national government and the autonomous Bougainville government. That consultation occurred.

Tsiamalili Jr pointed to the overwhelming and "unpolitical" result of the referendum, where 97.7% voted for independence. He stressed that regardless of personal agreement with the outcome, its clarity and legitimacy are indisputable, stemming directly from the constitutional process established by parliament itself. The core question for the parliament, he argued, is not about love for Papua New Guinea or national unity, but whether the nation will honor its "constitutional covenant" with Bougainville.

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Section 342, section 2 requires that a final consideration be made by this national parliament, which is where we are today. So, in the constitutional process, this is why this matter before us today matters.

"Will this parliament complete the journey that another parliament began?" Tsiamalili Jr asked, framing the current task as the execution of the final constitutional requirement. He urged his fellow leaders not to feel burdened but to see it as an opportunity to demonstrate that "the word of Papua New Guinea is sacred." He concluded by stating that history will remember whether the nation honored its word and agreements made in good faith, emphasizing Melanesian leadership's foundation in integrity and the choice of dialogue over war and reconciliation over division made by the previous generation.

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The question before us is this: Will Papua New Guinea honour the constitutional covenant it made with Bougainville? Will this parliament complete the journey that another parliament began?