ABG is focused on achieving independence
The current ABG leadership is focused on delivering independence for Bougainville as expressed in the overwhelming vote for independence in the 2019 Bougainville referendum.
Vice President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Hon. Raymond Masono, made the statement today, when refuting claims published in an article in the Post Courier this week.
Masono said the Post Courier article was implying that the current government is not doing anything to advance the people’s popular vote on independence.
“This is the government that delivered the referendum to the people of Bougainville when its critics, including journalists, said that it would never happen. And this is the government that will deliver the independence after the general elections,” Masono said.
He explained that the government has already established a framework for the consultation process to follow.
“A framework to facilitate effective and inclusive consultation and dialogue has been established comprising of an internally based Consultation Forum that would agree on issues to be discussed with the National Government and a Consultation Team that will engage with, and reach an outcome with the PNG Government that can be ratified by the National Parliament.
“Such is hardly the characteristic of an unorganized, confused, ignorant and uneducated leadership as claimed in the Post Courier article,” Masono said.
He made a call urging journalists to be objective and carry out proper research before putting stories to print.
The Vice President also commented on the recent move by the executive government to seek Supreme Court reference on the constitutionality of Sections 89(2) and 92(4) of the Bougainville Constitution, saying that it is not a sign of disorganization or ignorance, but rather a sign of political maturity in Bougainville as it enters the final phase of its political journey.
“I want to ensure the people of Bougainville that this current leadership is committed to delivering independence in accordance with the wishes of the people and will go into the elections as a formidable and united team to seek a fresh mandate, irrespective of the result of the Supreme Court Referendum,” Masono said.
Masono encouraged all Bougainvilleans to be patient and remain focused and united as the current leadership is, in preparation for the consultations ahead.
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