The Commission wishes to inform the public of its composition
The Commission wishes to inform the public of its composition and manner of working.
The Commission is composed of seven members: the international Chair, appointed by both the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government; the Electoral Commissioner for Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, both ex officio members; two members nominated by the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea; and two nominated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Now that all Commissioners are in place, the Commission works as a collegial decision-making body. No Commissioner speaks for or advocates the position of their nominating Government within the Commission. All commissioners are bound to act in an impartial and independent manner. They take no direction from any outside person or authority. Likewise, the Chief Referendum Officer appointed by the Commission is guided by the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and is subject solely to the direction of the Commission.
Commissioners draw on their personal and professional experience to inform the work of the Commission, and decisions are made collectively at Commission meetings. The Commission believes it is important that the Commission is viewed as one entity, and that their decisions are also viewed in this light.
The Bougainville Referendum Commission held its 5th meeting in Buka on 25 February 2019, continuing its programme of work towards a referendum as required in the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The Commission will participate in meetings this week with the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and will further inform the public of the outcome of those meetings. The Commission is also happy to announce the opening of its headquarters in Buka. It will shortly open offices in Arawa and Buin.
Chair: Bertie Ahern
Commissioners: Patilias Gamato, Robert Igara, George Manu, Ruby Mirinka, Patrick Nisira and Dr Thomas Webster
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