Temu calls for debate on sessional order

Abau MP Sir Puka Temu called for a debate on the Sessional order on the Bougainville Referendum in Parliament on Tuesday.

The sessional order on the Bougainville Referendum was tabled and adopted in Parliament, after the House voted overwhelmingly in support.

The sessional order provides an important legal framework or guide that allows Parliament to debate on and vote on the ratification process relating to the Region’s political future.

Minister for Bougainville Affairs Manaseh Makiba provided an update statement to Parliament when presenting the sessional order.

Sir Puka who was former Minister for Bougainville Affairs, was instrumental in overseeing the historic 97.7% vote for Bougainvillean independence during the 2019 referendum - raised several point of orders after its  tabling and adoption. 

He questioned Makiba’s speech where he stated, “the sessional order by both speakers of Parliament was largely agreed upon however, the only difference was the required voting threshold.”

Sir Puka also raised issue about the three-quarter absolute majority need to vote for the Referendum.

To which Speaker Job Pomat responded, saying the sessional order was tabled and adopted by Parliament.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has also raised serious concerns following this tabling and adoption, stating that it was without their input.

Adding that, particularly the ratification voting threshold of three-quarters, saying a constitutional amendment would have required a two-thirds majority, and they made it hard with a three-quarters majority.