The Bougainville Referendum Chair received the writ from Governor General Sir Bob Dadae on September 27th.
The Issue of the Referendum Writ:
- Closes new enrolments
- Establishes polling from 23 November until 7 December
- Sets 20 December as the latest date to return of the Writ with:
- No. of votes for greater autonomy
- No. of votes for independence
- No. of informal ballot papers
There will be no declaration of who won or lost, there is no voter threshold in the laws to achieve.
BRC Chair, Bertie Ahern, said: “It is happening, we are ready.
“I congratulate the two governments and the people of Bougainville for reaching this historic point – one more step in an historic and internationally-regarded peace process. The world is watching.
“Prime Minister, I congratulate you on your engagement in the process since coming to office, and that of your Minister, Sir Puka Temu, working together with Minister Albert Punghao from the ABG – it’s been greatly appreciated.
“It’s been an honour to lead this process. We had our challenges – I was in Buka a year ago, looking for an office, a table and some chairs – so we’ve really come a long way to get to today – ready to conduct this referendum. And there will be challenges ahead. But we’ll do our best to deliver this referendum to an international standard of free, fair and credible.
“The BRC is independent, neutral and impartial. We are not for either option. We are not for either government. We don't set the rules, we follow them: The Peace Agreement; the National Constitution; the Bougainville Constitution the Organic Law, and the decisions of the two governments.
“But the referendum process itself is absolutely a team effort, and is but one part of a much longer peace process established by the Peace Agreement 18 years ago.
“And here I’d like to recognise the work and support of many who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point: My six Commissioners, the chief referendum officer, and literally hundreds of officials across Bougainville, PNG and even overseas in Australia and Solomon Islands. They have all outdone themselves in getting us ready for today, to receive the Writ, so that we can now get on with the job of delivering the referendum efficiently, freely and fairly.
“My appreciation also goes out to those who have laid down their weapons. The ex-combatants and leaders who have committed themselves, and their communities, to a peaceful vote – to resolving issues in a democratic way, without guns.
“To the 441 Ward Recorders and Community Government officials who have been central to creating and quality checking the roll – I thank you. It was very much a community expectation during our initial consultations that we should work at this community level to ensure an improved roll with improved integrity, quality checking and inclusion.
“To the two governments and development partners here today who have provided the money, the resources and the people – we also thank you.
“But my biggest appreciation goes to the more than 202,000 persons enrolled, including 12,500 living outside Bougainville. Those who live on remote atolls, inland communities and urban centres. To all of you who have heard our message – we thank you for participating in this referendum and getting yourself on the referendum roll.
“I’m confident that if we can continue to move forward in this spirit of peace and partnership, we will honour the vision of Bougainville’s leaders and the Government of Papua New Guinea 18 years ago.”
(The Bougainville Referendum Chair, Bertie Ahern, receiving the writ from the Governor General)