Port Moresby based Bougainvillean’s engage in what they would want their future to be through writing a good Constitution

The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission opened its second round of consultation into creating the Bougainville Constitution over the weekend at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

Alternate Chairman of the BCPC and Bougainville’s Vice President, Patrick Nisira, launched the consultation calling for maximum participation from Bougainvillean's living in the capital city, in shaping what they would want their future to be through writing a good Constitution.

The Port Moresby leg of the consultation was launched at the Main Lecture Theatre of the University of Papua New Guinea over the weekend.

Many Bougainvillean's attended the event to share their views on the Constitution's first draft, which the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission is now moving around with to inform people, validate public views, and collect additional opinions.

Bougainville’s Vice President and Alternate Chairman of the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission, Patrick Nisira, launched the Port Moresby second round of consultation, calling for maximum participation.

"You all have a big responsibility to contribute to this constitution where we are working on it for a new country for us all.

"This constitution is very important. It is through this constitution that the future of Bougainville will be shaped for its people.

"The constitution must improve the rights and freedom of our people. The constitution must ensure that Bougainville is an inclusive society, where people can respect the human rights of the people, a constitution where law and order is maintained, a society where leaders are transparent and held accountable for decisions they make", the vice president Patrick Nisiria continued.

Mr. Nisira impressed on those that gathered, that no one would know the journey of Bougainville better, than Bougainvillean's themselves, who have voted overwhelmingly for a separate independence from mainland Papua New Guinea during the 2019 referendum.

He says the people’s responsibility must not only stop after the Referendum but must continue with the creation of the region’s Constitution.

Commissioners Albert Nukuitu, David Maliku, and Anita Salas are conducting the Port Moresby consultations.