Papua New Guinea - June 2023

The government of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville accused the national government of obstructing the region’s agreed-upon path to independence on 25 June. The national government has promised to take up the results of a 2019 Bougainville referendum in which over 97 per cent of voters voted for independence. While the national government argues it is within the power of parliament to accept or reject the result under the terms of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, and that granting the autonomous region independence requires a two-thirds-majority, the region’s government argues that parliament can only endorse the results and must grant the region independence between 2025 and 2027. The two governments remain at an impasse, with concerns that a parliamentary vote without proper preparations could lead to a clear “no” vote.

Sources: Radio New Zealand, Lowy Institute, Papua New Guinea Post-Courier