The PNG NRI launched its first two commissioned research reports under its Bougainville Referendum Research Project here at the Institute, Port Moresby. The two research reports are; 1. Independence Referendums: History, Practice and Outcomes and 2. Administration of Referendums: A comparative Study of Independence Referendums.

PNG NRI Director, Dr Osborne Sanida said, "the two research reports have undergone a thorough peer review process for quality check on the contents before being published".

Dr Sanida announced that the reports were available to the wider public for further discussions on issues relating to the referendum and its processes.

"We hope the reports will be used by officials responsible for the referendum and the wider public to read, ask questions, discuss and inform themselves about the Bougainville Referendum.”

Dr Sanida called on interested academics to pick up on the issues highlighted in the two reports and inform, generate debate and discussions with the wider community.

He also thanked Dr Thomas Webster for his leadership in ensuring that reports were published on time.

PNG NRI is an independent think tank who works in researching and analysing strategic issues for the national development, has commissioned independent experts to carry out seven (7) key studies around the three (3) primary questions of; • What is a Referendum and why is it being held? • How can the Referendum be effectively administered? • What are the Outcomes and how can the outcomes of the Referendum be effectively implemented.

The reports are avaliable here.

1. Independence Referendums: History, Practice and Outcomes and

2. Administration of Referendums: A comparative Study of Independence Referendums.

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