BRC on awareness roadshow in Bougainville
The Bougainville Referendum Commission is on its awareness roadshow in Bougainville, which started in Arawa on Tuesday, Buin Town on Wednesday and will end in Buka Town on Thursday this week.
The delegation is being led by BRC Chairman, Bertie Ahern, the six BRC Commissioners, and accompanied by ABG Minister for Bougainville Peace Agreement Implementation, Hon. Albert Punghau.
The delegation talked to the public about the BRC’s work and its progress so far. They also conducted question and answer sessions with the public to clarify any misconceptions about the conduct of the referendum, as well as explaining the two governments’ progress so far.
ABG Minister for Peace Agreement Implementation, Hon. Albert Punghau, assured the people that all outstanding issues not included in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, such as the question to be put, the two options including its definitions and voting by non-resident Bougainvilleans – have been agreed to by both governments.
Minister Punghau applauded the decision of the two governments in appointing an independent body to conduct and deliver a free, fair and credible referendum as expected by both governments and the people of Bougainville.
He explained the current work being done by the two governments through the Joint Ministerial Taskforce, of planning the different scenarios and activities for the post-transition period after the vote.
BRC Chairman Bertie Ahern said it was a privilege for them to be working for Bougainville to deliver a free, fair and credible referendum, and urged the people to think of the future generations and ensure that all eligible voters’ names are on the referendum roll.
“We’re trying to fulfill what was promised to you in the BPA almost 18 years ago, you were promised there would be a referendum,” he said.
“The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has been working very well, you have very good community leaders and I ask you to participate and support this work that we are doing,” Ahern said.
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