Bougainville independence vote ‘90% ready’ for Parliament: Makiba

The procedural framework required to table the Bougainville referendum results in the National Parliament is 90 per cent complete, according to Minister for Bougainville Affairs Manasseh Makiba.

Minister Makiba said the long-standing legislative deadlock, which has stalled the ratification of the 2019 referendum for over five years, is nearing a resolution.

Responding to questions from North Bougainville MP Francesca Semoso regarding the transparency of the independence process, Makiba revealed that the Office of the Clerk has nearly finalized the sessional orders necessary to bring the matter to the floor.

Makiba explained that while Section 342 of the National Constitution mandates that Parliament makes the final decision on Bougainville’s political future, there was previously no legal mechanism in the Standing Orders to actually introduce the referendum results for a vote.

"The delay basically was that there’s been no procedure under the existing Standing Orders of the Constitution to bring the referendum result into Parliament," Makiba said.

"I am advised by our good Clerk that the process is complete around 90 per cent. Once it is done, it will be introduced in Parliament."

The Minister touched on the delicate nature of the consultations following the 2019 vote, where an overwhelming 97.7 per cent of Bougainvilleans voted for independence.

He said while the Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] maintains that the National Government should simply endorse the majority result, Port Moresby’s position is more delicate.

"Our National Government’s position has always been that… the National Parliament will make a decision on that as per the requirement of Section 342," he said.

Makiba said government must weigh the results of both options put to the people: greater autonomy and independence.

Further progress has been made by the Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee, led by chairman Dr. Allan Marat and his deputy governor Peter Mutuga.

The committee has been conducting nationwide consultations to gauge the "pulse of the nation" regarding Bougainville’s potential secession.

Makiba confirmed the committee has completed its report and will table it shortly.

"The committee will be tabling its report soon for Members of Parliament to have a handle on it and debate it before the Parliament makes a final decision," Makiba told the House.

The Minister is expected to deliver a full Ministerial Statement next week.