Prime Minister James Marape has called on the National Parliament to handle the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result with maturity, unity and a deep sense of national responsibility, as the long-delayed process formally enters the parliamentary decision stage.
Speaking recently in Parliament, Marape described the issue as one of the most significant and sensitive moments in Papua New Guinea’s history, requiring careful consideration of both Bougainville’s aspirations and the country’s constitutional framework.
“This is a historic moment, a huge moment,” the Prime Minister said. “The issue before us is sensitive and consequential to our nation’s future, but it is something we cannot ignore. Time is of the essence.”
The PM reminded Parliament that the referendum, held in 2019, was conducted under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and is constitutionally mandated under Part XIV of the National Constitution.
He said the process had been widely recognised by international observers, including the United Nations, as free, fair and credible, with an overwhelming voter turnout.
“The people of Bougainville participated peacefully and expressed their views with clarity and dignity,” Marape said. The result stands at 97.7 per cent in favour of political independence.”
While stressing the significance of the result, Marape said it remains subject to the constitutional process requiring consultation and parliamentary consideration before any final determination is made.
He told Parliament that Section 342 of the Constitution now requires the National Parliament to formally deliberate and make a decision on the referendum outcome.
“The National Parliament must make a decision. This law has stood for the last 25 years,” said PM Marape.
PM Marape paid tribute to leaders past and present who have contributed to the Bougainville peace process, including former Prime Ministers Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, Sir Mekere Morauta, Sir William Skate, Paias Wingti and Sir Rabbie Namaliu.
He also acknowledged Bougainville leaders such as the late President Joseph Kabui, Francis Ona and Peter Tsiamalili Sr, along with others who contributed to the peace agreement signed in 2001.
“Without thanking the Bougainville leaders, our thanks to national leaders would be in vain,” he said. “All who have contributed must be acknowledged.”
The PM said his government had already taken steps to progressively transfer powers to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, including areas such as land, fisheries and resource management, while maintaining key sovereign responsibilities such as defence, foreign affairs and currency under national control.
“My Government stands ready to give every power that enables Bougainville to operate its economy and government effectively,” he said.
Marape urged MPs to consider both Bougainville’s position and the broader national interest, stressing that the decision must be guided by reason rather than emotion.
“This is an emotional matter, but we must make rational choices collectively. As we think from Bougainville’s perspective, I ask Bougainville to also think from our perspective,” he said.
He said Papua New Guinea’s unity and Melanesian identity would endure regardless of the outcome of Parliament’s decision.
Marape said, “If it is yes, we will continue. If it is no, we will continue. We are one people under one Constitution.”
In a key procedural step, Parliament today adopted a sessional order allowing the Minister for Bougainville Affairs to table the referendum writ and for debate to proceed ahead of a final vote.
The motion on whether Parliament accepts the referendum outcome will require a three-quarters absolute majority to pass.
Members of Parliament are expected to consult their constituencies before casting what is likely to be one of the most consequential votes in the country’s post-independence history.
