Agencies to be engaged in Referendum

Independent agencies will conduct the referendum in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville on October 12, 2019.

Minister for Bougainville Peace Agreement and Implementation, in the ABG Government, Albert Punghau, confirmed this in front of people in Arawa during the referendum roadshow on Tuesday.

Punghau said neutral agencies will be engaged during the referendum.

He said the Government of PNG and Bougainville through the Joint Supervisory Body have resolved outstanding issues in relation to the referendum.

“The question to be put has been resolved by the two governments and the option to be put into the referendum to the people of Bougainville has also been resolved.”

He stressed that it is very important for the referendum roll to be done properly for a credible outcome of the referendum.

Punghau said the two governments are fully committed in delivering the referendum to determine the democratic choice for the people of Bougainville.

Meantime, BRC Commissioner, Ruby Mirinka urged residents to make use of this opportunity and get enrolled and participate in the referendum process.

“If the enrolment exercise which is currently underway finishes well, then we will have a fair and transparent referendum.”

Currently, there are about 400 enrolment officers and 500 awareness officials doing the enrolment in Bougainville and other centres outside of Bougainville.

(BRC with Minister for Bougainville Peace Agreement and Implementation, Albert Punghau, and PNGEC Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, visit Kungu beach today)

Author: 
Freddy Mou