Nomane calls for no further delay on Bougainville vote

Opposition Leader James Nomane is calling on the Government to provide a clear timeline for Parliament to vote on the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result.

Nomane made the call in Parliament on Thursday following the historic tabling of the referendum result, the Joint Consultation report and the Melanesian Framework agreement.

He says Parliament must clearly outline when the debate and vote will take place, with all MPs present to make the decision.

“We also ask that the executive government, also not kick the can down the road and deal with this vote” Nomane said

“They must confirm all members of parliament be present at the next sitting to vote. This issue has created a lot of anxiety, a lot of ambiguity, a lot of confusion,” Nomane added.

Nomane says the vote will determine Bougainville’s political future and will have major consequences for Papua New Guinea.

The PNG and Bougainville governments are expected to meet in October to agree on a date for the parliamentary vote.

Nomane says there should be no further delays on the issue, which he describes as one of the most important decisions facing the country.