Last December the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, an area in Papua New Guinea (PNG), voted in a referendum for independence, a move motivated by a history of violence and conflict. Millions of Americans face jobless benefits lapse, Selling it as a big win on both sides of the Channel, A scene in The Pianist changed Arson Fahim's life, 'We turned 90, moved in together - then got the vaccine', Everything you need to know about Netflix's Bridgerton, The unique global odyssey sparked by a stranger’s revelation, .css-q4by3k-IconContainer{display:none;height:1em;width:1em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-right:0.25em;}playThe family who go all out on their Christmas cards. A peace agreement resulted in the creation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government. A vehicle flying a Bougainville flag drives by during a non-binding independence referendum in Arawa on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville, on Nov. 26, 2019. More than 181,000 people voted in the independence referendum in Bougainville, a group of islands that sit on one of the world’s largest copper mines, off … The resource-rich Pacific archipelago of Bougainville will hold a landmark referendum Saturday on independence from Papua New Guinea, a vote that could create the world's newest nation and prompt a dash for influence among regional powers. Voters mark their ballots at a polling place in Haku, Bougainville. Starting in the 2000s, Bougainvilleans continued to fight for independence using peaceful methods, and finally in 2019 the island held a referendum on whether Bougainville should secede from Papua New Guinea. Polling was peaceful and festive with musical performances and celebrations welcoming voters and the community to the polls. He said if the result went as he expected, independence should be the only basis for negotiation in the coming period. The BPA declares that in the Constitution of the Papua New Guinea National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB) is guaranteed a non-binding referendum on Bougainvilleâs political future to be held amongst Bougainvilleans. The PNG Parliament will have the final say. People voted overwhelmingly for independence (97.71 per cent) in what was widely regarded to be a successful process, with an informed and engaged citizenry. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. A majority of voters selected independence, at 97.7 percent of the vote, with less than 3 percent of voters choosing greater autonomy. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. But mining has been crippled by the war - and the distribution of revenue was one of the factors behind the conflict. 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As Bougainville prepares for a referendum on independence, Australia must navigate a policy response that acknowledges the history of conflict and colonialism there, Bougainville nationalism, PNG sensitivities, the principles of the guiding Bougainville Peace Agreement and new geostrategic realities to help forge a lasting solution. This was conducted by the BRC, the independent agency established by the two governments of Papua New ⦠The referendum was approved by the Papua New Guinea government, but the result is non-binding. Courtesy the artist. Negotiations for the terms of an independence referendum may take place between the ⦠"Now, at least psychologically, we feel liberated," said John Momis, president of the regional autonomous government. .css-1xgx53b-Link{font-family:ReithSans,Helvetica,Arial,freesans,sans-serif;font-weight:700;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:#FFFFFF;}.css-1xgx53b-Link:hover,.css-1xgx53b-Link:focus{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Read about our approach to external linking. This vote marked a key moment in the Bougainville peace process, but did not mark the end of the process. The referendum was non-binding - meaning independence won't happen automatically. Bougainville had a nine-year separatist war that began in 1988, fuelled by economic grievance. The referendum was approved by the Papua New Guinea government, and, although it's non-binding, the decisive vote will likely compel Papua New Guinea to grant Bougainville independence ⦠An island group that's part of Papua New Guinea is about to vote on independence. The islands attempted to declare independence during the formation of Papua New Guinea in 1975 - but they were ignored. The result, however, is non-binding, and there have been suggestions that PNG may not be supportive of Bougainville’s secession. While the referendum is not outcome-determining, the results will Voters in ⦠The 98% result is above pre-referendum predictions - most experts expected the figure to be around 75% - 80%. The options are either âgreater autonomyâ or âindependenceâ. © 2020 BBC. It was a nonbinding referendum. December 17, 2019. Read about our approach to external linking. A majority of voters selected independence, at 97.7 percent of the vote, with less than 3 percent of voters choosing greater autonomy. The islands have a population of around 300,000, and 206,731 people enrolled to vote in the referendum. .css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link{color:inherit;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{color:#696969;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:focus,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:focus{color:#B80000;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link::after,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited::after{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;z-index:2;}Bougainville: Will it become the world's next country? The violence in Bougainville began in the late 1980s, triggered by conflict over ⦠The people of Bougainville, an island group in Papua New Guinea, have voted overwhelmingly for independence. The PNG minister for Bougainville affairs, Puka Temu, said "the outcome is a credible one" - but asked that voters "allow the rest of Papua New Guinea sufficient time to absorb this result". When the overwhelming result for independence ⦠It is hosted by the National Research Institute of Papua New Guinea as a record of an historic national event. Voting in the Bougainville independence referendum is done: more than 98 per cent of valid ballots favored independence. Although the PNG government was against independence, and does not have to accept the result, the huge mandate will make it hard to ignore. It was a nonbinding referendum. What Bougainville lacks at this point, though, is an international network of sympathisers and activists capable of mobilising opinion to support its cause. VideoRisking lives for Christmas trees, playThe refugees feeding a nation. Of the 181,000 ballots, almost 98% were in favour of independence. Even in colonial times, Bougainville was an outpost. Most recently, in late 2019, an independence referendum was held with a majority vote for independence rather than continued autonomy within Papua New Guinea. Members of ⦠VideoThe family who go all out on their Christmas cards, playRisking lives for Christmas trees. Last December the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, an area in Papua New Guinea (PNG), voted in a referendum for independence, a move motivated by a history of violence and conflict. The curriculum, which was tailored to the Bougainville context, built participantsâ skills to take part in the upcoming referendum for independence currently scheduled for November 2019. The Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) formally wound up operations in accordance with its Charter on 31 May 2020. The options are either ‘greater autonomy’ or ‘independence’. Following the voting, 97.7% of its residents voted in favor of independence. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a chain of islands that lie 959 kilometres northwest of Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, has voted unequivocally for independence. This site remains as an archive of all BRC public information regarding the conduct of the Bougainville referendum. The referendum is a key element of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), which, following a ten-year armed conflict, provided for special autonomy and a vote on independence to be held within 10-15 years. In total, 181,067 ballots were cast. The referendum was non-binding, which means negotiations must now be held between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. The PNG Parliament will have the final say. In late 2019, the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG) voted in a non-binding referendum offering two choices: greater autonomy or independence. The referendum was approved by the Papua New Guinea government, but the result is non-binding. Discussions will take place with the Papua New Guinea government to decide when - or if - the transition to full independence can begin. By continuing to use our website without changing your settings, you agree to allow us to use cookies and other identifiers. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville will hold an independence referendum on 23 November 2019. A photo gallery of the referendum can be found here or by clicking on the image below. The result, however, is non-binding, and there have been suggestions that PNG may not be supportive of Bougainvilleâs secession. ABG President John Momis stated, “We are all full of expectations and hope. More than 181,000 people voted in the independence referendum in Bougainville, a group of islands that sit on one of the worldâs largest copper mines, off ⦠IFES FAQs on Elections in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: 2019 Referendum. With 87.4 percent* turnout, voting in the Bougainville referendum â conducted from November 23 through December 7 â concluded with the announcement of results on December 11. Bougainvilleans celebrate at the opening ceremony of the Bel Isi Park regional polling place in Buka Town, Bougainville, on November 23, 2019. One Bougainvillian, nursing graduate Alexia Baria, told news agency AFP that "happiness was an understatement". Will this place become the world's next country? The people of Bougainville have just voted for independence. For the broader region, an independent Bougainville has a number of implications. The referendum was non-binding, which means negotiations must now be held between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. Voters had two options â more autonomy, or full independence. In the referendum vote, almost 98% of voters backed independence, with just over 2% voting to remain part of Papua New Guinea with âgreater autonomyâ. I give full credit to the work of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, the Autonomous Bougainville Government under the leadership of President Momis and the people of Bougainville who ensured that the referendum period was safe and that all Bougainvilleans could cast their vote.”. We recognize the Referendum has been a national event, and so also acknowledge and thank the people of Papua New Guinea.”, In a statement issued following the announcement of referendum results, PNG Prime Minister James Marape recognized, “The conduct of the vote was excellent. Bougainville Votes For Independence From Papua New Guinea In Referendum The Pacific island group called Bougainville voted for independence from Papua New Guinea. The referendum is a key element of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), which, following a ten-year armed conflict, provided for special autonomy and a vote on independence to be held within 10-15 years. Voters had two options - more autonomy, or full independence. VideoThe biggest selling single of all time, .css-orcmk8-HeadlineContainer{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;}Nashville explosion: Camper van blows up in 'intentional act' on Christmas morning.css-1dedj2h-Rank{-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;color:#B80000;margin-left:3.125rem;}1, Russian historian jailed for dismembering partner2, 'Balloon boy hoax' parents pardoned in Colorado3, Australian expeditioner evacuated from Antarctica in five-day mission4, Queen's Christmas speech: 'You are not alone'5, Bridgerton: Everything you need to know about the Netflix drama6, Uganda Lake Albert boat accident leaves many dead8, Covid: Millions of Americans face unemployment benefits lapse9, Boko Haram kill villagers in Christmas Eve attack10. Of the 181,000 ballots, almost 98% were in favour of independence. Taloi Havini, Habitat: Konawiru, 2016 (still). A decade-long civil war in the 1990s, often referred to as the âBougainville crisisâ (those familiar with the Lloyd Jones novel Mr Pip will recognise the setting) devastated the region. Bougainville President John Momis spoke to the media on 23 November after he and his wife cast the first ballots of the referendum in Bougainvilleâs administrative capital of Buka. Although there This vote marked a key moment in the Bougainville peace process, but did not mark the end of the process. Nevertheless, the landslide victory will put pressure on PNG to grant Bougainville independence. The people of Bougainville have chosen overwhelmingly to become the world's newest nation in a historic referendum to break away from Papua New Guinea. The end of the fighting led to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the creation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and the promise of a non-binding referendum on independence. Likewise, its population would be one of the world's smallest - slightly smaller than Pacific neighbour Vanuatu, and slightly bigger than Barbados. Situated 560 miles east of the Papua New Guinea mainland sits one of that nation's small islands, Bougainville. O n Saturday, the people of Bougainville â a small archipelago of islands flung 700km off the coast of Papua New Guinea in the Solomon Sea â will ⦠The only other option ⦠If we work together, the outcome will be good and official… and most importantly produce lasting peace.” Prime Minister Marape and President Momis plan to meet on December 13 in Arawa to sign a joint statement. Bougainville: Will it become the world's next country? The islands have a population of around 300,000, and 206,731 people enrolled to vote in the referendum. Video, The family who go all out on their Christmas cards, The biggest selling single of all time. Toroamaâs path from a commander in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the regionâs civil war, to helping negotiate the peace agreement that laid ⦠VideoThe refugees feeding a nation, playThe biggest selling single of all time. .css-14iz86j-BoldText{font-weight:bold;}The people of Bougainville, an island group in Papua New Guinea, have voted overwhelmingly for independence. Bougainville Votes For Independence From Papua New Guinea In Referendum The Pacific island group called Bougainville voted for independence from Papua New Guinea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Bougainvillean_independence_referendum Results announced on Wednesday, had the case for independence backed by 97.7 per cent of the 206,000 registered voters. While the referendum is not outcome-determining, the results will contribute to bilateral negotiations between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government as outlined in the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement. The referendum is part of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which was achieved after a long and arduous process to end a decade of conflict and civil unrest between 1988 and 1998. The nearly unanimous results in the Pacific islands chain exceeded expectations and could both accelerate independence and complicate relations across the region. However, the outcome of the referendum is non-binding under the PNG Constitution. "On my side, we will push hard for independence because that is ⦠The result was the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), the creation in 2005 of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and the promise of a non-binding referendum on independence. The two-week referendum period began on November 23 and closed on December 7. Three people are injured in the blast and possible human remains are later found near the site. Of those: The results were announced in the town of Buka by former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, the chairman of the Bougainville Referendum Commission. The contrast with East Timor in the period prior to its own independence referendum is stark. And, if the poll goes as expected, Bougainville could become the ⦠Nevertheless, the landslide victory will put pressure on PNG to grant Bougainville independence. The referendum is non-binding and the vote for independence will now need to be negotiated between leaders from Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. Nevertheless, the landslide victory will put pressure on PNG to grant Bougainville independence. Bougainville will hold a referendum on independence within the 5 Zhang next 15 years, leading to an autonomous government in 2005.Bougainville will become the world's youngest country when it holds a referendum on independence on June 15, 2019, backed by a majority due to prolonged hostilities. Nashville camper van explodes in 'intentional act'. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville will hold an independence referendum on 23 November 2019. The country is rich in natural resources - especially copper, which has been extracted on a large scale since the 1960s under Australian administration. The referendum is a key part of a 2001 peace agreement that ended a civil war in which at least 15,000 people died in the cluster of islands to the east of the PNG mainland. In the referendum vote, almost 98% of voters backed independence, with just over 2% voting to remain part of Papua New Guinea with ‘greater autonomy’. The Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) acknowledged the significance of the election and the decisive steps ahead: “We thank the two governments of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and the people of the Bougainville for their outstanding participation in this historic process – one part of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Country Director, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands, Senior Electoral Management Adviser, Papua New Guinea. However, the outcome of the referendum is non-binding under the PNG Constitution. Voters had two options - more autonomy, or full independence. One estimate cited by the Lowy Institute says Bougainville would only have 56% of the revenue needed to be self-reliant. The new country - should it happen - would be small, with a land mass of less than 10,000 sq km (slightly larger than Cyprus, and slightly smaller than Lebanon). With 87.4 percent* turnout, voting in the Bougainville referendum – conducted from November 23 through December 7 – concluded with the announcement of results on December 11. 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