BRC Media Statement on Enrollment Procedures
MEDIA STATEMENT: ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
The Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) has confirmed the procedures for eligible voters to enroll for the upcoming referendum – whether they live in Bougainville or outside Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.
This is according to the laws governing the referendum. The Bougainville Referendum Commission assured people that the referendum follows the rules and criteria set down by law and by both governments.
“The BRC is acting as a neutral ‘umpire’ to ensure the referendum is conducted freely and fairly,” Chief Referendum Officer
Mauricio Claudio said. “People can be confident that the referendum is being conducted in full accordance of the laws set out by the two governments and the Bougainville Peace Agreement, as signed by Bougainville leaders and the Government of Papua New Guinea in 2001.”
“The date, the question on the Referendum ballot, the Commission Charter and the voter eligibility criteria are all established by the two governments in accordance with the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the national and Bougainville constitutions and the Bougainville Organic Law on Peacebuilding. “Because the Referendum Roll is a different roll to the ones used for the ABG and National Elections, we encourage all eligible voters to support the referendum process by ensuring their names are registered on the referendum roll.”
Before the Referendum Roll is finalized, the Preliminary Referendum Roll will be displayed in all Wards for people to check their names. “We call on all voters to support the BRC make the best possible roll for this historic occasion,” Mauricio Claudio said.
For people living in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
Enrolment continues in Bougainville until Sunday, 23 June. People should contact their local Ward Recorder.
For Bougainvilleans living in PNG provinces
Enrolment started on Saturday 15 June in NCD and will start by Wednesday 19 June in all other provinces. It will end on Monday 1 July 2019. Bougainvilleans living elsewhere in Papua New Guinea can enrol at their provincial Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) office, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Criteria for those living in Bougainville are:
- Must have been living in Bougainville for at least the past six months prior to enrolment
- Were born on or before 12 October 2001
- Are a PNG citizen
- Are entitled to vote in PNG National Elections
For those living elsewhere in Papua New Guinea, eligible voters are those who:
- Have links to Bougainville by birth, adoption, marriage or clan
- Were born on or before 12 October 2001
- Are a PNG citizen
- Are entitled to vote in PNG National Elections
The BRC will announce the polling schedule at a later date.
//Ends
Media contact:
Winterford Toreas
Phone +675 7283 5159
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