Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Manasseh Makiba has spoken against critics, stating that the Government is not putting out roadblocks, allegedly to hinder the parliament to make a final decision in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The minister said the National Government is very supportive and committed in the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution.
“Leaders must refrain from misleading people with wrong information. The people must hear the correct information and process and the rule of law must be respected, followed and upheld at all times.”
Makiba stated that section 342 of the Constitution and Clause 311 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, provides for the National Parliament to make a decision on the 2019 Bougainville referendum results where; Clause 311 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement states: “[a] the [constitutional] amendments will provide that the outcome [of the referendum] will be subject to ratification [final decision making] of the National Parliament.”
And section 342 states: “the National Government and the Bougainville Government shall consult over the results of the referendum and subject to the consultation referred to in subsection [1], the minister responsible for Bougainville matters shall take the results of the referendum in the national parliament and the Speaker shall furnish to the Bougainville executive a copy of the minutes of the relevant proceedings and of any decision made in the national parliament regarding the referendum.”
He added that the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution are clear and explicit in respect to this matter.