The Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework are expected to guide the next stage of the Bougainville political process, with public concerns and consultations feeding into the documents now before the National Parliament.

Chief Secretaries to the Government Mr. Ivan Pomaleu and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei, say the work also builds on consultations conducted by a bipartisan parliamentary committee across Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The committee’s findings highlighted concerns among communities about the country’s past, particularly the Bougainville conflict, as well as uncertainty over what the future could look like.

The Secretariats say these concerns were considered by the technical working groups that developed the Melanesian Framework, which is intended to provide a stable, predictable, constitutional, and legally viable pathway for the two governments.

The framework recognises the unique relationship between Bougainville and the rest of Papua New Guinea, including their shared Melanesian culture, kinship ties and the need for an enduring relationship.

Chief Secretary Pomaleu said the framework is also intended to address concerns that Bougainville’s future political status could result in the country becoming divided.

“The referendum result, which saw an overwhelming majority of Bougainvilleans vote for independence in 2019, is now set to be considered by the National Parliament,” said Pomaleu. 

The motion before Parliament will specifically ask members to decide whether to accept the referendum result.

Chief Secretary Ivan Pomalue clarified that MPs will have the opportunity to debate the issue before a final decision is made.

All members of Parliament are expected to participate in the vote, although the exact voting method of whether an open or secret ballot has not yet been determined.

That decision will be made through the parliamentary process involving the Leader of Government Business and the Speaker.

Following the parliamentary decision, the Speaker is expected to provide the Government with the official proceedings and outcome, which will then inform the next stage of discussions between the National Government and the ABG.

The two governments will then determine how and when to proceed based on Parliament’s decision.

The Melanesian Framework also outlines a gradual pathway towards greater self-government and eventual independence, with the aim of providing certainty and allowing Bougainville to continue building its institutions and capacity.