Autonomous Bougainville Government President (ABG), Chief Dr John Momis, said the new department will manage and coordinate the ABG’s relationship with the National Government to see the successful implementation of the referendum.

“Bougainville’s referendum will determine the ultimate political future of Bougainville,” the President said.

By Anthony Kaybing

Former Bougainville Acting Chief Secretary, Chris Siriosi, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the new Office for Bougainville Referendum.

With the arrival of the New Year Bougainville has welcomed that the start of the referendum period which, under the conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is to be held between 2015 and 2020.

With the opening of this window the Bougainville Executive Council has sanctioned the creation of the Office for the Bougainville Referendum.

Autonomous Bougainville Government President (ABG), Chief Dr John Momis, said the new department will manage and coordinate the ABG’s relationship with the National Government to see the successful implementation of the referendum.

“Bougainville’s referendum will determine the ultimate political future of Bougainville,” the President said.

“We must all be ready to decide fairly and without fear the choice for our next political destination.

“We have struggled long and hard and this is the goal that we desire so much.

“The ABG is now ready to embark on this journey and the Office for Bougainville Referendum will be the lead facilitator.”

The President said the Office will attain departmental Status and will be headed by Chris Siriosi as its Chief Executive Officer.

Siriosi was a natural appointment for the new role due to his vast experience with legal aspects of Bougainville Peace Agreement and the referendum clause..

“Mr Siriosi’s knowledge and experience on this issue will be a great asset to the government and his legal background will also be of great use to the new department,” Momis continued.

Mr Siriosi has accepted the position and will be acting as the new CEO of the Office for the next six months, until the position is advertised as required by law.

The President asserted that the new department will be responsible for facilitation of education and awareness of the coming Referendum within the Bougainville populace.

This step by the ABG shows the commitment the government has to seriously addressing Bougainville’s referendum.