Home / War and Conflict / Bougainville Inches Closer to Independence Vote
Bougainville Inches Closer to Independence Vote
27 Aug
Summary
- Bougainville's parliament will consider secession referendum results.
- Voters overwhelmingly backed independence with 97.7% in 2019.
- Independence targets are greater self-government in 2027 and sovereignty in 2030.
Papua New Guinea's parliament is scheduled to begin considering the results of a non-binding referendum on Thursday. This marks a significant step for Bougainville's autonomous region in its pursuit of independence from PNG.
In 2019, residents of Bougainville, a population of approximately 370,000 people spread across two main islands and smaller ones, voted with overwhelming support, achieving 97.7% in favour of secession. However, the referendum's outcome requires parliamentary ratification to take effect.
Negotiations between the national and regional governments have been ongoing for years. The current parliamentary consideration follows an agreement reached this month, though a specific date for a vote has not yet been announced. Leaders in Bougainville have set ambitious targets, aiming for enhanced self-governance by September 2027 and full sovereignty by 2030.
The long-standing independence movement in Bougainville is rooted in historical grievances, particularly concerning control over revenue from the Panguna copper and gold mine and the aftermath of a decade-long civil war that resulted in thousands of fatalities. A peace agreement in 2001 eventually paved the way for the independence referendum.
