Papua New Guinea researcher engaged with the PNG National Research Institute, Dr Thomas Webster says people need to understand that the Referendum is not about Independence.
Dr Webster said Independence is an option, but people need to understand it in the context of the Peace of Agreement.
The Civil War which started in 1988 on Bougainville lasted for almost a decade with more than 10 000 people killed, deterioration of infrastructure, no services and no schools for a decade of generations.
Peace negotiations leading to the Peace Agreement began in 1998 to 2001.