President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, H.E. Hon. Ishmael Toroama, has reaffirmed Bougainville’s commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) and the constitutional process governing the 2019 Referendum results, as the National Parliament considers Bougainville’s political future.

President Toroama made this statement in Parliament this week. He said the 2019 Referendum, in which 97.7 percent of voters chose independence, represented the collective will and aspirations of the people of Bougainville.

He noted that the referendum was conducted under the framework of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, which provide for a democratic process to determine Bougainville’s political future.

President Toroama highlighted Section 342 of the National Constitution, which outlines the consultation process between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) on the referendum results, including presenting those results to the National Parliament for consideration.

He said the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework were important outcomes of the work undertaken by both governments to advance the constitutional process.

“The ball is now in the hands of the National Parliament to exercise its constitutional responsibilities and consider the political future of Bougainville,” President Toroama said.

He called on the National Parliament to approach its deliberations with the seriousness, wisdom, and historical responsibility the matter deserves, noting that Bougainville has fulfilled its obligations through the referendum, consultations, and technical work.

President Toroama emphasised that Bougainville has never deviated from the commitments made under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement. He made this statement as a reminder to National Government leaders following his observation of the recent debate in the National Parliament regarding the tabling of the referendum results.

“The referendum was conducted peacefully. Our people participated in good faith. The consultations were undertaken. The Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework have been developed to support the next stage of the process. Bougainville has honoured its commitments,” he said.

President Toroama stated that the ABG expects the same commitment, good faith, and respect for agreed processes from the National Government and the National Parliament. He also clarified that Bougainville’s political aspirations should not be interpreted as hostility towards Papua New Guinea.

“Let me also make it clear that Bougainville’s political aspirations must not be interpreted as hostility towards Papua New Guinea or its people. Our relationship has been shaped by history, sacrifice, and the desire for lasting peace. Our responsibility is to ensure that the next chapter of this relationship is founded on mutual respect, dignity, and an agreed political settlement,” he said.

President Toroama reaffirmed the ABG’s commitment to preparing Bougainville for the next phase of its political journey, with 1 September 2027 set as the target date for declaring self-government.

He said these preparations require political leadership, institutional readiness, administrative capacity, economic preparedness, and legislative reform.

The President stressed that Bougainville must continue strengthening its governing institutions and preparing its people regardless of the outcome of the ongoing parliamentary process.

“Whatever the outcome of the ongoing parliamentary process, Bougainville must continue to strengthen its capacity to govern, administer its affairs, generate revenue, and provide services to its people,” he said.

President Toroama concluded that preparations for Bougainville’s future must be undertaken with discipline, unity, and determination as the Government continues to build the institutional, administrative, and economic foundations required for the next stage of its political development.