Bougainville Government addresses impasse in Independence Ratification process
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is committed to providing the Bougainville people with a transparent and democratic path to independence.
However, recent disagreements between the ABG and the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government have led to a significant impasse in the independence ratification process.
ABG Attorney General and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation Hon. Ezekiel Masatt, explained in parliament this week, that following his engagement with his National Counterpart Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Manasseh Makiba, it is clear that there is an impasse of the ‘serious kind’.
“The points of disagreements are; Voting majority % being absolute majority as opposed to our ABG position of simple majority; That there be “not less than two meetings” before the Ratification vote is taken. I objected to this because it means the matter can be debated in the National Parliament forever; That voting is by secret ballot rather than a more transparent parliamentary vote, I disagreed to this too,” Minister Masatt explained.
“Consequently, Minister Makiba and I have not agreed on the detailed contents of the Sessional Order.”
Minister Masatt informed parliament that his Ministry called together a Leaders Forum early this week, in which the Forum proposed for the following to be undertaken by the Government:
- That the President officially informs the PNG Prime Minister of this dispute on the content of the sessional order particularly on the voting percentage, the number of sittings and the secret ballot
- That the ABG call for an urgent convening of the Joint Supervisory Body meeting to formally record the DISPUTE and endorse the engagement of moderators to resolve the impasse between the two Governments on the ratification of the Referendum result
The primary objectives of this JSB meeting will be to formally record the dispute and, importantly, to endorse the engagement of independent moderators to facilitate a resolution. The involvement of moderators is seen as essential to finding a mutually agreeable way forward.
Minister Masatt informed parliament that the Bougainville Executive Council had approved the proposal put forward by the Bougainville Leaders Forum, adding that while these challenges in the ratification process are significant, the ABG remains resolute in its commitment to Bougainville's pursuit of independence.
“We have no one else to rely on, in this journey, but ourselves. It is vitally important to ensure our ultimate political goal is achieved through a credible process.”
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