Papua New Guinea Parliament Delays Bougainville Independence Decision

Papua New Guinea's national parliament has officially tabled the results of the 2019 Bougainville independence referendum, a significant step following years of anticipation. The referendum saw an overwhelming 97.7 percent of Bougainvilleans vote in favor of independence, a result that now awaits ratification by PNG's parliament.

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I ask that the government be very, very clear about when this vote will take place, and make all effort to inform all leaders of the House about: yes, what happens; no, what happens?

However, a final decision on whether to approve the referendum outcome is still months away. Members of parliament were presented with the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework documents shortly before the debate, prompting concerns from Opposition Leader James Nomane about the ability to make informed decisions. "I ask that the government be very, very clear about when this vote will take place, and make all effort to inform all leaders of the House about: yes, what happens; no, what happens?" Nomane stated.

Prime Minister James Marape indicated that his government has contingency plans for both an affirmative and negative outcome. He announced that PNG and Bougainville governments will convene in October to determine the date for the parliamentary vote. Marape urged MPs to carefully consider the reports and the Bougainvillean perspective, emphasizing that the issue transcends politics and impacts the lives and futures of the people, particularly those affected by the Bougainville crisis and peace process.

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This is not simply a constitutional or political issue. It concerns the lives, hopes and futures of our people, especially those people whose lives have been shaped by the Bougainville crisis and the Bougainville peace process.

Manasseh Makiba, Minister for Bougainville Affairs, explained that the Melanesian Framework provides a structured pathway for Bougainville to gain greater autonomy if parliament approves the referendum. This framework includes a transitional phase of "self-government" rather than immediate independence. Makiba acknowledged that consensus was not reached between the national government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government regarding the specific pathway if parliament rejects the referendum results.

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Under the Melanesian Framework, an affirmative decision by the national parliament would not result in the immediate independence of Bougainville.