Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister Urges Unity Before Bougainville Referendum Deliberations

Prime Minister James Marape urged lawmakers and citizens to approach Parliament’s consideration of Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum with wisdom, maturity and respect for the constitutional process. The referendum result, Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework are due to be formally presented to Parliament on August 27. In the non-binding vote, 97.7% chose independence and 2.3% greater autonomy. Marape said discussions between the national and Bougainville governments must continue after Parliament acts and warned leaders against threats, fear, regionalism and hostility.