Application period for interested groups extended

The Bougainville Referendum Commission has extended the application period for groups wishing to apply for Recognition as an Interest Group, which can then appoint scrutineers.

The closing date has been extended from October 6th to October 14th to give interested groups enough time to apply.

Acting Chief Referendum Officer, Desmond Tsianai, said under the law, Recognised Interest Groups provides an official way for non-governmental organisations, political parties and civil society groups supporting either referendum options – greater autonomy or independence – to appoint scrutineers during polling or transportation of the ballot boxes to the count centre and the scrutiny.

“Scrutineers take the role of candidate agents during the polling and counting process and referendum is conducted in a transparent, neutral way, and that voting and counting is conducted freely and fairly,” he said.

“Scrutineers like observers and the media, can watch over the process throughout the polling and counting to ensure the referendum result is credible.”

As part of accreditation, all Recognised Groups and their scrutineers will be provided a briefing and must sign and follow a BRC Code of Conduct for Scrutineers.

Groups will be responsible for meeting all costs.

For information on criteria and application forms, visit: www.bougainville-referendum.org/scrutineers

Enquiries can be sent to: scrutineers@bougainville-referendum.org

 

Author: 
Press release