BCPC releases first draft of Constitution ahead of public consultations
The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) has released the first draft of the autochthonous constitution for an independent Bougainville, marking a significant step in the region's path towards political independence.
This draft has been made available for download on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) website.
Ahead of its upcoming consultation rounds this month, the BCPC made this initial draft of the Constitution accessible to the public. The consultations, set to commence this month, will see the draft constitution being workshopped with Bougainvilleans to gather feedback and input.
The consultation program is set to begin in mainland Papua New Guinea, with four regional teams scheduled to travel to the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands, and Southern region. After the PNG consultations, the focus will shift to consultations within Bougainville itself.
During these consultations, the BCPC will collect views and issues from Bougainvilleans, which will then be compiled and discussed by the commissioners. Based on this feedback, instructions will be provided to the drafters to create a second and final draft of the autochthonous constitution for Bougainville.
The first draft is available for download on the ABG website (link: https://abg.gov.pg/uploads/documents/Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_Bougainville_-_FIRST_DRAFT_-_6_May_2024.pdf) , and the public is invited to provide feedback within a timeframe of three months, from May to July.
The BCPC will consider all feedback received during this period in its preparation of the Second Draft. Those wishing to contribute their views, opinions, or issues can email the BCPC at bcpc.arob@gmail.com.
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