Commissioners of the Bougainville Referendum Commission are now fully in place.
The Commission is composed of seven members:
- The international Chair, appointed by both the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government - Bertie Ahern
- Electoral Commissioner of PNG – Patilias Gamato (ex officio member);
- Bougainville Electoral Commissioner – George Manu (ex officio member);
- Two members nominated by the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea – Robert Igara and Dr. Thomas Webster; and
- Two nominated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government – Ruby Mirinka and Patrick Nisira
Now that all Commissioners are in place, the Commission works as a collegial decision-making body.
No Commissioner speaks for or advocates the position of their nominating Government within the Commission. All commissioners are bound to act in an impartial and independent manner.
They take no direction from any outside person or authority. Likewise, the Chief Referendum Officer appointed by the Commission is guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and is subject solely to the direction of the Commission.
Commissioners draw on their personal and professional experience to inform the work of the Commission, and decisions are made collectively at Commission meetings.
The Commission believes it is important that BRC is viewed as one entity, and that their decisions are also viewed in this light.
The Bougainville Referendum Commission held its fifth meeting in Buka on 25 February 2019, continuing its program of work towards a referendum as required in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
It will participate in meetings this week with the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and will further inform the public of the outcome of those meetings.
The Commission is also happy to announce the opening of its headquarters in Buka. It will shortly open offices in Arawa and Buin.
(Bertie Ahern filepic)