Mar 27 2015

Bougainville Election News : Speaker officially issues writs for election : update Mining Bill

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Speaker of the Autonomous Bougainville Government House of Representatives Andrew Miriki today officially issued the writs for the forty constituency seats in a rather small but very significant ceremony at the ABG parliament chamber this afternoon.
This significant ceremony saw the acting electoral commissioner for Bougainville present to the speaker writs for the forty constituency seats, including the three regional… seats for women and the three regional seats for the ex-combatants for his signature.
Mr. Manu who spoke before handing over the writs to the speaker for his signature thanked the president, his cabinet and the chief secretary for making funding available so that his work will continue.

He then assured the Government that the Bougainville electoral commission is ready to conduct the election as per the election schedule.
The ABG speaker who was on hand to receive the writs and sign them as is his duty as per the Bougainville constitution formally issued the writs after 4pm this afternoon for the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s election for 2015.

Mr. Miriki revealed in his statement that he is satisfied with the work done so far by the acting electoral commissioner for Bougainville George Manu and that he has confidence in his leadership in ensuring that elections are conducted in the spirit of democracy.
He said the issue of writs will pave the way for the third general elections for the autonomous Bougainville government since the first election in 2005.

Therefore the speaker is appealing to all Bougainvilleans to work together with the electoral officers to ensure the election is conducted in a truly fair and just manner.

Also present to witness the issue of writs was the ABG president chief Dr. John Momis, his entire cabinet, electoral commission officers, and officers of the Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea electoral commissions and the media.

270315BILL A HISTORIC DEAL
BY JENNIFER NKUI

The permanent mining bill as revealed by the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis is truly a historic deal and is also the result of this government over the five years that they have been in office.
When making his statement on the mining bill in parliament this week, the president stressed that with the passing of this bill, the people of Bougainville will now turn their backs on more than fifty years of injustice in mining law tha…t began when vats deposits of copper and gold was discovered in Central Bougainville.

It was fifty years ago when Bougainvilleans were told that they only had rights to the surface of the land and that they were not landowners of their own land. But with the new mining bill, Bougainville and its people are completely rejecting the terrible past.

The president then revealed that the new bill recognizes that all owners of customary land own all minerals in, on or under their land and more importantly the bill gives special powers, rights and protection to such owners.The bill also recognizes that people in areas for tenements associated with a binding lease must be given special recognition because of the impacts a mine is likely to have on them.

Therefore, the rights and needs of the owners of the minerals will be given the highest level of protection and in particular the owners will have powers to stop either or both exploration on their land or the grant of a mining license over their land.

Chief Momis said if permission for exploration is granted, landowners will be entitled to rents and compensation and if permission for development is granted, the landowners will be entitled to rents, compensation, a share of royalties, proper treatment under resettlement plans and programmes, preference in mining employment, business related opportunities, 5 per cent free equity ownership in the mine lease holder and much more.

The bill also encourages direct participation of Bougainvilleans in the mining industry. This as revealed by the president and other related provisions such as small scale mining are new directives for mining in Bougainville.

Mar 26 2015

Bougainville News: Press Release and Full Speech : NEW MINING LAW A REJECTION OF THE PAST: MOMIS

“True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people”

President Momis

The Autonomous Bougainville Government passed a new ‘long-term’ Bougainville Mining Law on Thursday 26 March 2014. In his second reading speech in the Bougainville Parliament on Wednesday, the President spoke of the ‘misery, destruction and conflict’ caused for Bougainville by colonial mining law. He said that in passing the new law Bougainville was ‘rejecting that terrible past’.

He said that the under new law, ‘the rights and the needs of the owners of the minerals will be given the highest level of protection. In particular, the owners will have power to stop either or both exploration on their land, or the grant of a mining licence over their land.’

He went on to say that if Bougainville landowners do allow mining development ‘they will be entitled to rents and compensation, a share of royalties, proper treatment under resettlement plans and programs, preference in mining employment and business related opportunities, 5 per cent free equity ownership in the mine lease holder, and much more’.

The President also noted that:

‘The Bill also encourages direct participation of Bougainvilleans in the mining industry. … Only Bougainvilleans can do small scale or artisanal mining, under community mining licences and artisanal mining licences. We encourage small-scale mining, for we have abolished restrictions in PNG law that mean most small-scale mining is illegal. There is also provision allowing companies controlled by landowners to apply for exploration licences over land owned by those landowner’s. These are new directions for mining law in Bougainville.’

President Momis also stated that because ‘the ABG is the government of all Bougainvilleans’ the law had to ‘balance the rights and needs of mineral rich landowners with protecting the interests and rights of all other Bougainvilleans. Any kind of mining, and especially large-scale mining, has impacts on other Bougainvilleans.’

He stated that the law also offered protections and benefits to people outside the mine area likely to suffer environmental and social impacts. He said: ‘But in a place as small as Bougainville, where our communities are so closely connected, large mines have impacts on every part of the Region.’ As a result, it would be the responsibility of the ABG to look after impacts on all peoples. This would include ensuring that there was a spread of economic benefits, for inequitable development, where just landowners with minerals became wealthy, would only cause divisions and conflicts.

The President also explained that the new law is not about Panguna, or BCL. ‘Rather it’s a law about the future of the whole of Bougainville.’ He said the ABG is considering allowing large-scale mining again is because of its need for revenue. He said: ‘We lack even the most basic acceptable standards in essential services, like health and education. We lag behind the rest of the world. Without significant ABG revenue, that situation will never change.’

He said he wanted ‘the best possible hospitals, health centres, early childhood centres, schools, universities, technical education centres … clean power, like hydro, and good roads to all accessible areas, good shipping services. These things are the essential basics for us gradually developing a sustainable economy where all share in benefits

It was difficult to find the the money needed for such things, he said: ‘Right now we Bougainvilleans are not much better than beggars. We beg for our entitlements from the National Government. We beg and cajole the donors.

‘True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people.

‘It is an unfortunate truth that .. the only way any of us can see of generating this revenue is mining. But we need to approach this with great care. Mining itself is not a sustainable activity, as the minerals are a finite resource, and once they are gone they are never replaced. So the key will be to use the mining revenue wisely, to promote and generate sustainable economic growth.

This is why it will be essential to invest in health, education, clean power, and good transport.

The President went on to say that he had ‘no idea if BCL will return. … BCL’s parent company, Rio Tinto, is in the process of undertaking a review of its investment in BCL. It’s entirely possible Rio will decide to walk away from that investment. If that happened, we would have to look at other options.

‘But our options with mining are not limited to Panguna. There are many difficulties involved when considering re-opening Panguna. There are divisions about the issues involved. There are high expectations about compensation and related issues. And if demands of this kind are too high, the project will not be economic. So at this stage, the ABG does not know whether Panguna will ever re-open.But we also know that there are leaders and communities in other parts of Bougainville that want mineral exploration. And as always, my government remains ready to talk to such areas.

He said that the ABG is not focused solely on large mines is instead strongly supporting small-scale mining. An innovative system of Community Mining Licences administered by COEs and VAs is directed to encouraging Bougainvilleans to generate their own revenues, but also to mine in ways that are safe for their health, and for the environment.

Chief John. L. Momis

SECOND READING SPEECH

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED

BOUGAINVILLE MINING ACT 2014

HON. CHIEF JOHN MOMIS

PRESIDENT

Mr. Speaker:

I rise to speak about this Bill, which is the result of very intense effort by my Government over the whole five years we have been in office.

It is an historic Bill.

In passing this Bill, we, the people of Bougainville will turn our backs on more than 50 years of injustice in mining law that began when vast deposits of copper and gold were discovered in central Bougainville.

Mr. Speaker, it was only 50m years ago that we were told that we were not really owners of our land. The colonial Government and CRA told us we only had rights over the surface of our land. If there was anything in the land that they thought was valuable, they could push us off our land without our agreement, take what they wanted, and destroy the land, leaving a huge hole.

In the 1960s, as planning for a huge mine proceeded, the Australian Minister for External Territories – Charles Barnes – was asked what the ‘natives’ would get from the mine, he said “Nothing”. But he was wrong. In the end we got misery, destruction and – ultimately – conflict.

Mr. Speaker

With our new Mining Bill, we are completely rejecting that terrible past.

The Bill recognises that all owners of customary own all minerals in, on or under their land. More importantly, the Bill gives special powers, rights and protections to such owners. It also recognises that people in areas for tenements associated with a mining lease must be given special recognition because of the impacts a mine is likely to have on them.

The rights and the needs of the owners of the minerals will be given the highest level of protection. In particular, the owners will have power to stop either or both:

exploration on their land, or

the grant of a mining licence over their land.

To illustrate the nonsense, I’ll simply list just a few of the most completely wrong statements about the Bill that the Petition contains, and answer them:

An amazing amount of nonsense has been spoken by the very few people that have opposed this Bill. Nowhere has there been more nonsense than in a Petition supposedly prepared on behalf of some people from Tinputz.

Mr. Speaker:

Only Bougainvilleans can do small scale or artisanal mining, under community mining licences and artisanal mining licences. We encourage small-scale mining, for we have abolished restrictions in PNG law that mean most small-scale mining is illegal. There is also provision allowing companies controlled by landowners to apply for exploration licences over land owned by those landowner’s. These and related provisions are new directions for mining law in Bougainville.

The Bill also encourages direct participation of Bougainvilleans in the mining industry. It does this in many ways.

Mr. Speaker:

If they later grant permission for development, they will be entitled to rents and compensation, a share of royalties, proper treatment under resettlement plans and programs, preference in mining employment and business related opportunities, 5 per cent free equity ownership in the mine lease holder, and much more.

If they grant permission for exploration, they will be entitled to rents and compensation.

It says the landowners are stripped of their powers and have no rights.

But in fact, owners have more rights and powers under this Bill than landowners anywhere in the world. In particular they have an absolute power to prevent exploration and mining on their land.

The petition claims that landowners are subjected to criminal penalties under the Bill, and that mining corporations are not subject to such offences and penalties.This is completely wrong. Offences are not directed specifically at landowners.Companies face huge penalties for a wide range of offences, including such things as failure to pay compensation, rents or royalties. And that is right and just.The petition complains about a criminal offence about withdrawing survey pegs. But that should not be a problem for landowners under our law, because they have an absolute right to refuse permission for exploration or mining licenses. If they refuse, there will be no survey pegs. If they agree to licenses, most will want to see the survey pegs, because it will be those pegs that will define the areas that receive rents, equity, compensation, royalties, and so on.There is a world of difference here that the person writing the petition simply ignores.

The Petition says that ‘without the people’s consent’ that ‘the Moratorium has been lifted’ by the Bill.That is completely untrue! In fact the Bill specifically maintains the Moratorium imposed on Bougainville since 1971. The National Mining Act says such a Moratorium can be imposed, or lifted, by the PNG Minister for Mining. But under our Bill, it will remain unless lifted by the whole BEC. Not only that, but the proposal to lift this House will first have to be given the opportunity to debate the proposal to lift it.This is intended to ensure that in future there is full transparency in major decisions about mining. That is an approach built in throughout the Bill.

The Petition complains that there are lots of PNG laws that will still apply in Bougainville that will affect mining.Perhaps the person who prepared the petition is not aware that we are still building autonomy. So drawdown of powers from PNG is still continuing. But some of the National laws the petition says are still applying have in fact been drawn down – for example, the author of the petition is clearly ignorant of the fact that the PNG Public Finances Act has been replaced by a Bougainville law. That person is apparently also unaware that we are in the process of drawing down other powers that the petition complains about – especially those covered by PNG laws on the Environment, and Mining Safety.

The petition says making land available for reconnaissance licenses, exploration licenses and other mining licenses breaches customary law.But in fact, by giving all customary landowners the right to refuse access to their land for any such license, the Bill fully respects, supports and endorses customary law.

Mr. Speaker, There is much else I could say about the inaccuracies in the petition. But I will not waste any time on this nonsense.Mr. Speaker:My Minister for Mining, Hon. Michael Oni, has already talked about the long history of development of this Bill. It goes back to the time of President Kabui, and has involved many steps, including the Transitional Arrangements Act. But at all stages we have been committed to recognition of ownership, and on protecting rights of landowners.

Mr. Speaker, At the same time as protecting landowners where minerals are located, the ABG is not just the government of the owners at Panguna – or the owners of large mineral ore bodies wherever they are later found in other small areas of Bougainville, like Tinputz or Sinimi or Eivo.No – the ABG is the government of all Bougainvilleans. So we must balance the rights and needs of mineral rich landowners with protecting the interests and rights of all other Bougainvilleans. Any kind of mining, and especially large-scale mining, has impacts on other Bougainvilleans.

The biggest impacts are usually felt by people in neighbouring areas. They include environmental and social impacts. But in a place as small as Bougainville, where our communities are so closely connected, large mines have impacts on every part of the Region. We all know how climate change is caused by emissions of greenhouse gases. Well – depending on how mining is carried out, it can contribute heavily to such emissions. For example, in BCL’s 2012 order of magnitude study, they propose that if BCL is to come back to Panguna, the huge power supply for the mine should come from a coal-fired power station. The reason is that coal would be cheap for BCL. But burning coal would result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.

So we would be contributing to sea level rise, at a time when our atolls face being lost to ocean-level rises.So the ABG opposes coal fired electricity generation. Instead, we support rapid development of clean energy. That could involve hydro, geo-thermal and tidal or wave powered generators. Hydro power generation projects are under way. But we need much more of this so that if large-scale mining resumes, it’s done in ways that minimise environmental impacts.Other impacts that large mines can have include the social and cultural impacts of the presence of large numbers of people from outside Bougainville. We must control mining in ways that manage those impacts.Because all of our people feel such impacts, it is vitally important that it is the ABG that manages the overall system for permitting exploration for and development of minerals. It can make sure that what benefits mineral landowners does not have excessive negative impacts on others.One of the ways in which the Bill seeks to deal with such issues is imposing a strict limit on the number of large-scale mines that can operate in Bougainville at any one time. There can be no more than two. Any more than this would cause unmanageable impacts. The ABG must also ensure that there is some equity in distribution of the income generated by large-scale mining. If all income went just to minerals landowners, and all other people missed out, we would rapidly develop great inequality amongst Bougainvilleans. And great inequality is a recipe for violent conflict. So it is in the interests of all Bougainvilleans that there is equity in distribution of mineral revenue.The Bill aims for equitable distribution by allocating royalties not just to landowners, but also to development of the whole of Bougainville, and to a special health and education fund.

Mr. Speaker:

Finally, I must talk a little about the amendments that the Government will be moving in the next stage of debate on the Bill – the Committee stage, which will occur tomorrow.The BEC has already approved five proposed amendments, notice of which has already been given to all members.

Mr. Speaker: The fourth amendment is to correct an error in the draft concerning the term of the Exploration Licence that the Transitional Arrangements Act vested in BCL, over the area of the former SML. The term of the license in the Act was 2 years, but the Bill mistakenly says 5 years. That error will be corrected by the proposed amendment to section 367(3), making the term just 2 years, and from 8 September 2014.

Mr. Speaker Before I finish my comments, I must emphasise that we are only just beginning in the process of taking full control of mining powers in Bougainville. There is still much to be done. As the Minister rightly says, YUMI BRUKIM BUS. As we implement the new law, we will find things that need improving. I am sure that there will be a need to make amendments, and regulations under the Bill. That is one of the best things about autonomy – we are now in control of mining, and can make the changes we think are necessary.Mr. Speaker, Finally, I congratulate the Minister and his Department, as well as all the other ABG agencies that have worked so hard to fulfil the directions that the Bougainville Executive Council has been giving them over the past several years about developing the best possible mining policy and law for Bougainville.I, too, commend the Bill to the House.

Mr. Speaker

The proposed amendment to section 269 is intended to make it clear that all small-scale mining allowed under section 4 of the Transitional Arrangements Act will continue to be permitted under the Bill during an 18 month period while the ABG Mining Department sets up the arrangements for operating the new community mining licence system.

The fifth amendment concerns small-scale mining. Under the PNG Mining Act most small-scale mining is illegal unless done in or close to a river bed (alluvial mining), on a miners own land, and without mechanisation. Section 4 of the Transitional Arrangements Act 2014 rejected that, and made small-scale mining legal, if done on the miner’s own land, or on other people’s land with the permission of the owners.

Mr. Speaker,

On close examination of section 112, it became evident that in most cases of transfer of shares in a company holding an EL the wording used would not permit action to withdraw an EL. The proposed amendment to section 112 would require action to withdraw an EL in such cases.

The current wording of section 112 was taken from the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014, which had in turn been taken from the PNG Mining Act 1992. It is intended to result in loss of an EL if the either the holder sells the EL, or if there is transfer of significant blocks of shares in a company that hold an EL.

The third amendment concerns section 112 of the Bill, that aims to prevent commercial dealings in an Exploration Licence (EL) in the 2 years after it is registered. Such provisions in mining laws aim to ensure that EL holders are serious about exploration and don’t just seek commercial advantage through trading in an EL.

Mr. Speaker:

The second proposed amendment involves section 46(2). It says that a geological survey area cannot be proposed over an area the subject of an Exploration Licence application made by a landowner-controlled company established under section 113 of the Bill. This amendment has been proposed by a group led by Mr. Sam Kauona. My Government supports the proposal, because it is consistent with the ABG policy of supporting direct landowner involvement in Bougainville’s mining industry.

Mr. Speaker:

The first proposed amendment concerns the coming into effect of the proposed Bougainville Mining Act 2015 after it is enacted. It will enable the Bill come be into effect while also giving the Minister power to direct that no applications for any tenements may be registered for a specified period. This will provide the time necessary for the Mining Department to set up tenement administration, while allowing other provisions of the Act to take effect.

Mr. Speaker,

Over time, too, we want to see small-scale Bougainvillean miners develop the skills and capacity to take on mining on a bigger scale, in larger areas, under Artisanal Mining Licences (which can cover up to 5 hectares and involve more expensive machinery than will be permitted under community mining licences). In the next ABG, if I am still President, we will aim to develop schemes that encourage small-scale miners to move towards getting artisanal mining licences.

Another critically important indicator of the fact that we are not focused solely on Panguna can be seen in the strong focus in this Bill on small-scale mining. Hon. Minister Oni has already spoken about the Community Mining Licences that will be administered by COEs and VAs. This is an innovative system, another world first, as far as we know, directed to encouraging Bougainvilleans to generate their own revenues. At the same time, the aim is to ensure that they do small-scale mining in ways that are safe for their health, and for the environment.

Mr. Speaker:

And to signal that our focus is not limited to Panguna, I am proposing now, here in this House, to change the name of the ABG Office of Panguna Negotiations. Instead in the future it should simply be the Office of Mining Negotiations, or something similar.

But we also know that there are leaders and communities in other parts of Bougainville that want mineral exploration. And as always, my government remains ready to talk to such areas.

So at this stage, the ABG does not know whether Panguna will ever re-open.

But our options with mining are not limited to Panguna. There are many difficulties involved when considering re-opening Panguna. There are divisions about the issues involved. There are high expectations about compensation and related issues. And if demands of this kind are too high, the project will not be economic.

AS for BCL and Panguna, I have no idea if BCL will return. Since we passed the Transitional Bill, in August 2014, BCL’s parent company, Rio Tinto, is in the process of undertaking a review of its investment in BCL. It’s entirely possible Rio will decide to walk away from that investment. If that happened, we would have to look at other options.

The Mining Bill is not a Mining Bill about Panguna, or BCL, or Rio Tinto. It’s a Bill about the future of the whole of Bougainville.

Mr. Speaker,

This is why it will be essential to invest in health, education, clean power, and good transport.

It is an unfortunate truth that at this stage, the only way any of us can see of generating this revenue is mining. But we need to approach this with great care. Mining itself is not a sustainable activity, as the minerals are a finite resource, and once they are gone they are never replaced. So the key will be to use the mining revenue wisely, to promote and generate sustainable economic growth.

True autonomy, or true independence, will only come when we have our own sources of revenue, capable of providing the best possible services to our people.

Where will the money needed for such things come from? Right now we Bougainvilleans are not much better than beggars. We beg for our entitlements from the National Government. We beg and cajole the donors.

As President, I want to see us getting the best possible hospitals, health centres, early childhood centres, schools, universities, technical education centres. I want to see us developing clean power, like hydro, and good roads to all accessible areas, good shipping services. These things are the essential basics for us gradually developing a sustainable economy where all share in benefits.

Ultimately, the main reason why we in Bougainville are considering allowing large-scale mining again is because we need revenue to advance or development. WE lack even the most basic acceptable standards in essential services, like health and education. WE lag behind the rest of the world. Without significant ABG revenue, that situation will never change.

Mar 26 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Bougainville Mining Bill Passed

by Aloysius Laukai in Kubu.
The controversial Bougainville mining Bill has been passed by the ABG house. (file photo above ) The bill went through the 3rd reading to become a Bougainville law just after 11.35 am March 26 Bougainville Standard time. This now completes all the negotiations and dissatisfactions by factions of the communities throughout Bougainville.

The bill did not go un challenged but had to go through scrutiny by former combatants who demanded certain sections removed before they can allow the government to finally pass the bill.

At the time of the passing of the bill the house was full to capacity as people witnessed the passing of the bill.
more stories shortly

UPDATES

260315 MIRINGTORO NOT HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai

The member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Communication in the Papua New Guinea National Government, JIMMY MIRINGTORO told New Dawn FM from Port Moresby that he was not happy that the ABG has rushed this bill on the eve of the ABG General elections.

He said that the ABG should have let the passing of the bill to the next government after more scrutiny from all stakeholders on Bougainville.

MR. MIRINGTORO said that pushing the bill on the eve of the ABG Elections is not proper as other outstanding issues were still not resolved on the future of mining on Bougainville.

He said that from day one he had warned the ABG against the bill especially when the people are still in the dark of this bill that could take away their rights form their land and resources forever.

MR. MIRINGTORO also said that the bill was written by outsiders like the Adam Smith International who have been involved in controversial development policies in the third world.

He said that it was unfortunate the government did not listen to the cries of the citizens and passed the bill.

Meanwhile, New Dawn FM understands that if there are some issues that have not been highlighted can now be done through an amendment of the Bougainville Mining Law by the next ABG Government that will come after the ABG General Elections.

The writs for the election will be issued by the Speaker, ANDREW MIRIKI at 4pm this Friday March 27th

Mar 24 2015

Bougainville Mining News: Ex-combatants in Bougainville support controversial Bougainville Mining Act.

“The government has done everything to thoroughly explain to the people the new Bill and how it will greatly regulate the extractive industry on Bougainville.We cannot continue to undermine the government for it is the very thing that we fought and died for, doing so only renders the purpose of our struggle moot, .We are all behind the government and will not resort to creating instability within the region.

Spokesman for the ex-combatants, Cornelius Solomon

Ex-combatants in Bougainville have rallied behind the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support the passing of the controversial permanent Bougainville Mining Act.

Written and Supplied by Anthony Kaybing

The ex-combatants met with the ABG and its officials this afternoon (Tuesday) to express their support of the bill and assured ABG President Grand Chief Dr John Momis of their intent.

The permanent Bougainville Mining Bill is the brainchild of the Momis led ABG in its efforts to curb mineral resource problems that led to the bloody ten year civil conflict on the island.

The Bill if passed will give landowners a pronounced say on how mineral extraction is carried out on their lands and also controls the type of would be developers interested in mining on Bougainville.

The Bougainville Mining Department as well as the Bougainville Justice Department have been carrying out widespread awareness on the issue throughout Bougainville to explain the intricacies of the Bill to Bougainville communities.

Despite being hailed as a successful attempt by the government to protect Bougainville’s interests there have been certain elements who continue to argue that the bill is a sham and designed to sell Bougainville.

Foremost amongst its critics is former Bougainville Revolutionary Army strongman Sam Kauona who claims that the Bill lacks certain details that safe guard Bougainville from being exploited again.

But a different sentiment was echoed by Mr Kauona’s former comrades who claimed ownership of the government and in this light respected the ABG’s intent on passing the Bill.

Spokesman for the ex-combatants, Cornelius Solomon said the government has done everything to thoroughly explain to the people the new Bill and how it will greatly regulate the extractive industry on Bougainville.

“We cannot continue to undermine the government for it is the very thing that we fought and died for, doing so only renders the purpose of our struggle moot,” Mr Solomon said.

Mr Solomon said that the ex-combatants were all behind the government and would not resort to creating instability within the region.

President Momis and his government also expressed their gratitude to the ex-combatants for taking the initiative to recognize the ABG’s efforts to act in the best interest of the people of Bougainville.

The Bill will be tabled sometime this week in the Bougainville House of Representatives as the members prepare to sit for the final sitting of the ABG second house since coming into office in 2010 before if goes to the polls in May.

Mar 23 2015

Bougainville Education News: NRL League Bilong Laif program commences in Bougainville

“Education is also a key priority for the people and government of Bougainville. The League Bilong Laif program will highlight the importance of education to the children of Bougainville so that they can strive to reach professions that will build a better future for Bougainville.”

NRL PNG In-Country General Manager, Mark Mom.

The League Bilong Laif program is expanding into a fourth region of Papua New Guinea, commencing its school-based rugby league activities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville this month.

League Bilong Laif uses rugby league as a tool to support education outcomes. It is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the National Rugby League (Australia) in partnership with the PNG National Department of Education and Bougainville’s Department of Education.

Photo : Children at Malasang Primary School at the launch of League Bilong Laif. Copyright: NRL Photos.

This month the program kicked off in Buka, where NRL development officers are working with around 950 students across two schools – Lonahan Primary School and Masalang Primary School

Each participating class receives five sessions of rugby league-related on-field and in-classroom activities that are non-contact and non-competitive and designed for girls and boys of all abilities.

Australian High Commissioner Ms Deborah Stokes said, “This program supports Australia’s strong youth focus in Bougainville. Empowering young boys and girls through sport is a powerful way to strengthen skills and community cohesion.”

The program uses a range of rugby league-themed educational and reading materials that the NRL has developed with Macmillan Education Australia that encourage healthy lifestyles and boost students’ physical, social, literacy and maths skills.

“Bougainville has been a nursery for many great rugby league players, including Kumuls representatives Bernard Wakatsi, Joe Katsi, Lauta Atoi (now the Honourable Member for North Bougainville), and Chris Siriosi (former Chief Secretary of the Autonomous Bougainville Government),” said NRL PNG In-Country General Manager, Mark Mom.

Newly appointed Buka-based NRL PNG Development Officer, Stephanie Garea, said she is honoured to join the League Bilong Laif program, which employs female development officers in all its regions.

“I’m so happy to represent Buka as a woman in helping to establish this program and see female students running around with us during the sessions. I will make sure I do as much as I can as a female development officer to help my community and my region.”

The League Bilong Laif program will roll out into additional schools in Bougainville in term two.

How can you support Bougainville education ? Donate ebooks

More info and donations here BOOKGAINVILLE

Mar 19 2015

Bougainville Autonomy Arrangements Joint Review : Download the 116 page report here

The attached 116 page review contains a significant level of background material. The Review will be read by people who may not have access to essential information about Bougainville. We hope that this information will contribute to greater understanding of the broader context for the Joint Resolutions

It is now a public document having been tabled in the ABG House in March 2014 and the National Parliament in February 2015.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Joint Review of Autonomy Arrangements (JSB and RC approved Joint Resolutions)

This is a joint review by both governments of Bougainville’s autonomy arrangements as required under the constitutional laws. The review was due in 2010 and was not initiated until 2013.

This report, the Review, is the joint report of both governments. It is informed by six separate reports prepared by independent experts appointed by both governments. Their reports are contained in a supplementary volume. The views expressed in those reports are the views and opinions of those experts and they do not necessarily represent the views of either or both governments.

Both governments have decided to be forward looking and practical in accepting this joint report. Establishing Bougainville’s autonomy is a new journey for all parties to the Bougainville Peace Agreement. It was to be expected that there would be blockages, stumbles and some disagreements. Nonetheless, considerable progress has been made since the signing of the Peace Agreement.

The Review sets us on a joint path to remedy some of the major weaknesses while at the same time preparing for the Referendum which is due in the period May 2015 to May 2020.

The Review contains Joint Resolutions – actions by both governments at the JSB held at Kokopo on 18 October 2013 and refined at the Referendum Committee 26 October 2013. The governments will agree an implementation plan against which we will monitor progress and report to the JSB, and the respective parliaments.

The Review contains a significant level of background material. The Review will be read by people who may not have access to essential information about Bougainville. We hope that this information will contribute to greater understanding of the broader context for the Joint Resolutions.

As required by the constitutional laws the Review will be tabled in both parliaments through the National Executive Council and the Bougainville Executive Council respectively.

Below are the first few pages FYI

The Referendum Committee directed that these Joint Resolution be referred immediately to the respective Cabinets for endorsement and tabling in the respective Parliaments with the Joint Review and the Reports of the Independent experts as provided under Section 337 of the Papua New Guinea Constitution.

Planning for 2015 Autonomy Review

1.1 Joint planning for the next review of the autonomy arrangements will commence in late 2014 with the review to be conducted in the first quarter of 2015.

Review of Bougainville Constitution

2.1 The Bougainville Constitution will be reviewed by the ABG in 2014.

2.2 The recommendations from the constitutional review will be made available to the independent experts who conduct the analysis that contributes to the 2015 joint review by the National Government and ABG of Bougainville’s autonomy arrangements.

Greater awareness of Bougainville’s vision and autonomy

3.1 The ABG needs to articulate in a brief accessible document the kind of society Bougainville desires to be in the long term (not just political independence) and formulate a long term higher level strategic vision and plan for realizing the espoused vision based around the aspirations of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the people. All other planning and service delivery functions should take their cues and direction from the strategic vision.

3.2 The Bougainville Awareness Framework will be the basis for a comprehensive (region-wide, multimedia and direct face-to-face dialogue) awareness campaign be undertaken to inform the people and leaders of the strategic vision, the meaning of autonomy, how it is being implemented and its benefits, and the context and process for the impending referendum.

3.3 The ABG will take responsibility, with the National Government, for initiating a regular series of briefings with local and key national political and public service leaders to seek to significantly increase their awareness and understanding of Bougainville’s vision and entitlements.

Draw down of functions and powers to be consolidated

4.1 The governments will:

jointly review the current Framework for the Draw Down of Functions and Powers;
jointly take stock of and review the progress of the draw-down of functions and powers by all sectors operating in Bougainville. In 2014 the focus will be on completing and consolidating the transfer of the functions listed in Table 2 of the Joint Review;
provide guidance to ensure that all future requests for the draw down of powers and functions, commencing with environment and health, comply with Sections 3 and 4 of the Organic Law and where applicable Section 43 of the Bougainville Constitution.

4.2 The drawdown of powers and functions process will be coordinated by the Chief Secretary and Chief Administrator respectively to expedite the evolutionary and smooth drawdown of functions and powers through the preparation of legislation for consideration by the Bougainville House of Representatives.

4.3 Greater attention will be given to calculating, negotiating and agreeing the on-going funding arrangements for each function and power to be drawn down by the ABG according to the provisions of the Organic Law.

4.4 The governments will work together to seek additional expert resources (including from development partners) to strengthen the ABG to manage the orderly draw down of powers and functions, and their subsequent implementation, particularly to contribute to analysis and policy development in legal, staffing, planning, financial and organisational aspects.

Social and Economic Development

5.1 Law and order – that priority be given to strengthening law and order (weapons, police and community justice) and resolving key existing conflicts that continue to hinder return to normalcy, peace and development in parts of Bougainville (e.g. Konnou and Siuwai crises).

5.2 Economy – a broad based and integrated economic strategy be designed and implemented that would include:

high impact projects, down-stream processing of coca and copra and small to medium enterprises; and
Support be extended to strengthening economic institutions for growth of private enterprise. A specific initiative in exploration of impact projects needs to be investigated with a view to creating much needed employment.

5.3 Infrastructure investments be coordinated through the Joint Project Management Unit such that all of the Region is connected via transportation and communications links in the shortest possible time.

5.4 Education and Health –ABG continue to expand the delivery of education and health services, especially to inland areas of North, Central and South Bougainville and at the same time orientate education and health service delivery to be in line with the strategic visioning above. Specific attention will be given to:

Lost generation – that Education Division (in collaboration with relevant divisions such as Community Development, Veterans Affairs, development partners and NGOs) design and implement a specific education program targeting the lost generation.
Certification and Accreditation of artisans – that ABG through a relevant division, design and implement a Trade Testing, Certification and Accreditation program for skilled village artisans in anticipation for the vocational employment when mining and other economic opportunities commence.
Opportunities for the provision of vocational and technical education must be explored as a matter of urgency with reforms to entry requirements into vocational and technical schools to be started.

5.5 Strategy for Less Developed Areas – all three regions in Bougainville have pockets of isolated communities facing severe under-development. Examples include Visai in the Buin district, Rataiku in Siuwai district; Marau in Bana; Torokina; Kunua; Rotokas; and West Coast of Buka. The ABG will formulate a strategy for progressively linking and opening up these areas to social and economic development.

5.6 The governments will contribute to the immediate expansion of the reach of radio throughout the Region by ensuring current projects are implemented expeditiously.

Grants

4.5 The governments agree to discuss and negotiate a solution to the payment of outstanding Restoration and Development Grant calculated according to law and to ensure that it is then properly calculated, appropriated and paid annually to the ABG in a timely manner.

4.6 The ABG will prepare detailed budget submissions for each new function and power delegated or transferred to the ABG detailing staffing and goods and services budgetary requirements for the first and subsequent three years of implementation in Bougainville of that function or power. These submissions will be endorsed by the BEC, and where required by the Bougainville Constitution, the House of Representatives.

Audit Functions in Bougainville

7.1 The ABG will establish an internal audit function within the Administration before 1 January 2015 to be funded under the Recurrent Grant arrangements.

7.2 The PNG Auditor General will establish an office in Buka before 31 March 2014 with ABG assistance for housing and office space.

ABG Budget

8.1 The ABG will, with National Government assistance, seek to develop and implement a four-year rolling program budget for development and recurrent expenditure with the intention of giving greater certainty to the planning, budgeting and financing of all government plans and service delivery activities. This will be closely linked to the estimates prepared under Joint Resolution 4.3 (Budgets for powers and functions to be drawn down.)

8.2 The ABG will seek to capture in PGAS greater detail on the geographical spend for all development activities.

8.3 The ABG will seek partner support to undertake detailed annual expenditure analysis to contribute to the development of future budgets and assist in the prioritisation of expenditure for service delivery and enhancing autonomy.

8.4 The ABG will work with all development partners to seek to have their contributions recorded in the ABG annual budget.

Medium term economic and fiscal analysis

9.1 The ABG will commission expert assistance to undertake economic and financial analysis on the cost of various options to implement the BEC’s vision for Bougainville taking into account various development scenarios over the next five to ten years.

Financial Reporting and Capacity Improvements

10.1 The ABG will significantly improve the level of reporting on financial matters and projects to the BEC, indivicual ministers, the Bougainville House of Representatives, the National Government, development partners and the community.

10.2 The ABG will develop and then implement a comprehensive capacity development strategy to build the competencies and capabilities of the new ABG Finance and Treasury Department from January 2014.

Taxation

11.1 The ABG will host a Taxation and Revenue Summit in early 2014 to educate the political leadership and the public service of both governments about the tax and revenue arrangements and issues available to Bougainville under the existing Organic Law. Its objective will be (a) to achieve a consensus on a broad strategy, and priorities, to secure improved efficiency and effectiveness in administering the taxation and other revenue entitlements and (b) to contribute to future revenue policy development being properly informed particularly when it seeks to improve the ABG’s ability to achieve the fiscal objectives of the Peace Agreement.

11.2 Based upon the outcome of the Revenue Summit ABG will review its Office of the Chief Bougainville Collector of Taxes to assess future staffing and capacity needs.

11.3 The ABG will activate arrangements to establish the audit function provided in the Organic Law to monitor the collection of revenues by the IRC.

11.4 The IRC will be provided with additional resources in Port Moresby, the regional office and in Buka to undertake its role including an increased awareness program across the region.

Public Administration

12.1 An immediate joint review be carried out on NCOBA to determine its continued relevance and its future roles and responsibilities. The ABG and the National Government should give serious consideration setting up the ABG to manage coordination with the National Government on its own with current NCOBA resources shared between an ABG representative office and the ministry.

12.2 The ABG with the assistance of the National Government will take immediate steps to put in place a weapons disposal plan and set a concrete time to implement weapons disposal prior to 2015. It then should move quickly to implement this plan.

12.3 The ABG take immediate steps to put in place a peace and reconciliation plan and that this plan be immediately implemented before 2015.

12.4 The new structure and operations of the Bougainville Public Service will strengthen and enhance reporting and accountability arrangements including enhancing the roles of ministers and the BEC in setting policy and monitoring the performance of the Administration.

12.5 The ABG will develop and implement a capacity building programme, based around the White Paper on Councils of Elders to resuscitate the capacity of Councils of Elders and Village Assemblies to ensure that they are operational and remain sustainable as the second tier of government in Bougainville.

Good governance

13.1 The governments note the expert’s view that when all the reports are read together and a number of indicators are looked at it is doubtful if it could be said that the ABG was achieving the required standard of good governance in public administration as at mid-2013.

13.2 The governments agree that for future joint reviews greater clarity is needed on the set of indicators (having reference to the constitutional definition) against which good governance is to be assessed taking into account the available sources of quality data.

13.3 In early 2014, with Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs’ assistance, the ABG will complete a joint organisational assessment using an agreed set of Key Result Areas and indicators based upon the Provincial Performance Improvement Initiative, to be repeated in early 2015 to feed into the 2015 joint review of the autonomy arrangements. ABG and Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs will seek to involve a representative from East New Britain Province (and/or Milne Bay Province) in the assessments given those provinces’ above average performance in service delivery.

13.4 The ABG will complete its 2014-2016 Corporate Plan by 31 March 2014.

Capacity Development

14.1 The governments agree that they will apply significant resources, with the support of development partners, to implement the BEC approved Capacity Development Strategy for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (November 2012).

House of Representatives and Principal Legal Officer

15.1 The governments will engage, when appropriate, in collaborative efforts to consider the issues of construction of a permanent Parliament building for the House. [This is dependent upon the ABG and its people determining the location of the seat of government.]

15.2 The ABG will undertake a review to assess the required level of resources for the House for the next five years, including recruitment of its necessary administrative support staff, build office capacity and fund resources necessary.

15.3 The ABG will expand programs for induction (after 2015 elections) and ongoing training of Members of the House of Representatives so they understand their roles and the parliamentary procedures and processes. [This should be alongside the AusAID funded mentoring of the House by the NSW Parliament.]

15.4 The ABG will immediately recruit the Bougainville Principal Legal Officer, the principal adviser to the BEC, through an open and transparent process and support the office with lawyers, support staff and resources.

Law and Justice

16.1 Recognising that improving law and order is the people’s highest priority, the governments agree that there is a need to develop and implement, as soon as possible, a clear implementation plan for the transfer of police and correction services functions and powers to the ABG based upon the specific constitutional provisions

16.2 As part of and under the recently launched police modernisation program, GoPNG will give special attention to infrastructure capacity development, funding of resources and police manpower in Bougainville to bring police service to at least pre-crisis level.

16.3 The Police Service, Correctional Service, the Courts and the other law and justice constitutional offices are an integral part of law enforcement, maintaining peace and order and for public security. Both governments will give attention to building the capacity of all aspects of the law and justice system in order to prepare the ABG to be able to enact its own laws to transfer of related powers and functions when appropriate and affordable.

16.4 Given the importance of establishing and maintaining law and order in Bougainville both governments will support the police and correctional services special working groups to analyse and develop appropriate short and medium term funding proposals for the police and correctional services in Bougainville based upon an optimal configuration of staff and facilities.

Mining

17.1 The governments will review the 15-step strategy and seek to implement it in full consultation with each other.

17.2 The governments will as a matter of urgency meet in the Joint Consultative Coordinating Committee on Panguna Negotiations and agree the budget and potential sources of support for a comprehensive program of consultation, analysis and information-sharing so that the ABG, the landowners and the National Government are fully prepared to advocate and negotiate among each other and with BCL the new terms and conditions for mining and exploration leases associated with Panguna Mine.

17.3 Both governments will continue to support building staff capacity of the ABG Mining Department and other departments in order for them to be fully prepared to administer, implement and monitor mining (including issuing, managing and monitoring of mining tenements) and other legislation associated with the possible re-opening Panguna Mine, other mining operations (if any).

17.4 The ABG will continue to consult the National Government through the Department of Mining Policy and the Mineral Resources Authority on the ABG’s proposed transitional law in accordance with the Alotau Agreement, prior to the House enacting the law. The ABG to continue wider consultation of all stakeholders in the ARB in formulating its mining legislation and the Panguna negotiations.

The Referendum

18.1 The governments will meet quarterly in the Referendum Committee, and then at the Joint Supervisory Board, to monitor and discuss the preparations for the Referendum.

18.2 The governments agree that the Referendum will be conducted by an independent agency established for that purpose under Section 58 of the Organic Law on Peace -Building in Bougainville-Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Referendum 2002.

18.3 The governments agree that by 31 March 2014 the work plan for establishing the arrangements to conduct the Referendum will be completed including specifics on the roles, responsibilities and resources needed for:

the administrative arrangements including establishing the independent agency to conduct a free and fair Referendum in Bougainville;
engaging with international partners to obtain support for the independent agency and the conduct of the Referendum;c. seeking secure sources of funding for the agency to conduct a free and fair Referendum;d. maintaining and supporting regular fora for officials (Referendum Committee) and political leaders;
e. establishing a Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee of the National Parliament on Bougainville Affairs and a similar committee of the Bougainville House of Representatives so as to provide oversight, direction and monitoring of progress towards the Referendum;

f. establishing a process of consultation with Bougainvilleans, and others, determine the link or links a person has to have to Bougainville, including those of non-residents, to vote in the Referendum [See Peace Agreement Article 315 and Organic Law Section 55];

g. reviewing the legal and administrative Rules for the Conduct of the Referendum as contained in the First Schedule to the Organic Law taking into account issues and experiences arising from two Bougainville elections and any other relevant matter.

h. establishing a process of consultation with Bougainvilleans and others, to seek agreement on the options to be voted on in the Referendum, including independence [PNG Constitution Section 338];

i. developing and implementing a generalised awareness campaign within Bougainville on the process and arrangements for Referendum. [Awareness on the Referendum itself will be conducted impartially by the independent agency established to conduct the Referendum.]; and

j. complying with the Bougainville Constitution’s general and specific provisions for consultation within the Region including with traditional leaders and others.

Feedback to the People

19.1 The government will support the independent experts to meet with the people of Bougainville through a series of public consultations to close the consultation loop through feedback and deliver the Joint Review to the communities. These sessions will include representatives of both governments.

.

Mar 18 2015

Bougainville JSB Outcomes : PNG Prime Minister assures ABG of support at Arawa summit

‪

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hon Peter O’Neil assured the Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis and the people of Bougainville that any outstanding issues presented by the Autonomous Bougainville Government at the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting will be addressed and effectively resolved.

Hon Peter O’neil assured that the issues were to be resolved during the JSB meeting held on Friday March 13th 2015. Prime Minister Peter O’Neil reassured that other outstanding issues would be addressed effectively before the next JSB meeting.

By Tanya Lahies from the Bureau of Media and Communications

……………………………………………………………………………………………..
PM Peter O’Neil assures ABG to resolve issues of transfer of powers

Prime Minister Peter O’neil responded:“I want to assure you, issues about transferring of powers will be effectively resolved before the next JSB meeting.”

……………………………………………………………………………………………..
PM Peter O’Neil assures ABG to resolve issues of funding

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “I want to assure you that our national government will honor every commitment prior to the peace agreement. That includes the Special Intervention Funds (SIF); ongoing recurrent expenditures; funding will be provided for recurrent expenditures. I want to assure the people of Bougainville that we will expand the LLGSIP funds.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
PM Peter O’Neil assures ABG of support to the ABG 2015 National Elections

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “We will transfer K1million to assisting with the elections. The transfer was made this week.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
PM Peter O’Neil assures ABG for referendum

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “As I have publicly said before, there are conditions which are attached to the referendum that we all have agreed to.”

“We must follow the conditions so that the people have the rights to make a free choice. “

“We are committed as a national government to the referendum process and as governments before, we assure you that we will work closely with you to ensure that –a referendum committee is established and it is working so that we can be able to address many outstanding issues.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………
PM Peter O’Neil assures of commitment to Bougainville

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “I explained publicly during my visits to Arawa, Buin and Panguna that I am committed to making sure that we provide the level of services that our people expect and I’m pleased to see that our Joint Programme Management Unit (PMU) is working closely together to making sure that many of the key infrastructure challenges that we have are been addressed.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil announced that preparations are under way for the major road network from Kieta to Kangu wharf. “A tender for the major road network between Kieta to Kangu wharf has been now forwarded to the general suppliers for tenders board for awarding of contracts.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
PM Peter O’Neil assures of commitment to working with PMU

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “We will work closely with the Programme Management Unit (PMU) again in making sure that the services are to be delivered in a more kindly manner as well.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
PM Peter O’Neil’s remark on JSB Meeting

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil said: “Today the joint supervisory body meeting now marks a new level of government. It is important that we continue that we work together- the rest to assure that we show our government support- our top priority of restoring basic services. “

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil reassured that commitment to the ABG has always been strong. “We will continue to work with you till we implement many of our programmes. I want to reassure that our government will continue to support your government to ensuring the best outcomes to achieving the best standard of living.

Mar 18 2015

Bougainville Elections News: United Nations to support Bougainville Government carrying out elections

The United Nations through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Papua New Guinea will support the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in carrying out the upcoming elections through “Support of the 2015 Bougainville General Elections” initiative.

The new initiative launched in March 2015 is a follow-up to the request of the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government for UN-backed electoral support to the general elections in Bougainville scheduled to take place in May-June 2015.

The project will provide short-term – 5 month – support to the electoral process in the following six areas: (1) coordination of the observer effort, (2) support to the establishment of electoral dispute resolution mechanisms (3) training support to women candidates; (4) training of candidates and scrutineers; (5) training of media representatives, and (6) support to a post-elections lessons learnt exercise.

“The ABG welcomes the support provided by the UN family for the conduct of transparent and credible 2015 elections in Autonomous Region of Bougainville. This support is timely and will go a long way in providing a safe and enabling environment for the pathway to peace and development in Bougainville and creating a credible road map for the referendum to take place within the next five years”, – said Monovi Amani, Chief Secretary of ABG.

“This work aims to assist Bougainville to move towards a long-standing peace based on a democratic process so that the people of Bougainville can build a better future for all. As the UN team in Papua New Guinea, we are committed to support the Government of Bougainville to conduct credible, transparent and inclusive elections” – said Mr. Roy Trivedy, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative.

The upcoming elections are seen as crucial as they will mark the start of the referendum period agreed upon in the Bougainville Peace Agreement with the new leadership leading Autonomous Region of Bougainville and its people towards referendum. In this context the need for transparent, credible and well-administered elections is critical.

The project is implemented by UNDP in partnership with its sister agencies and will run from March to July 2015. While the project focuses on immediate support to the General Elections, opportunities for a wider long-term initiative on development support to the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner are being seized.

Some of the upcoming activities of the project include:

Training of international and domestic observers, providing them with materials on political context of the elections, the electoral operation plan, procedures used in the polling and counting centers and etc.
Support to the establishment of electoral dispute resolution mechanisms that will enhance the legitimacy of the elections and provide voters with an official outlet for electoral complaints.
Supporting female candidates to participate in the elections. The project will support women candidates by providing information on legal and institutional framework, relevant advocacy and lobbying tools and more.
Training of scrutineers to ensure the credible counting of ballots. Series of trainings will be carried out in the North, Central and South Bougainville. Training will include detailed information on the tabulation and announcement of result process.
Training of media representatives to ensure fair and informed reporting. The project will work with media to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge to cover electoral processes.

A lessons-learnt exercise will be conducted at the end of the project and the elections to identify areas for support in future elections.

UNDP is the largest provider of electoral assistance in the UN system. It has been involved in supporting the electoral cycle in more than 58 countries, and in most cases its assistance has been instrumental to the holding of credible elections, bringing more professional electoral management, more inclusive electoral processes, and more credible elections than would have been the case without it’s support.

“The UN has supervised and observed elections and referendums worldwide and increasingly focuses its electoral efforts on providing technical assistance to help countries build credible and sustainable national electoral systems. We will use the best of this knowledge and expertise for the benefit of Bougainville and the whole country” – added Mr. Roy Trivedy.

Mar 18 2015

Australia investing AU$14 million over 5 years for Bougainville gender equality programs

The Australian Government is providing PGK 3.5m to support the work of the Bougainville Women’s Human Rights Defenders and to develop advocacy programs aimed at changing behaviours around gender-based violence.
The Nazareth Centre for Healing will deliver the new program of support, ‘From Gender Based Violence to Gender Justice and Healing’, with the assistance of the International Women’s Development Agency. The support package was announced at the International Women’s Day breakfast hosted by the Bougainville Women’s Federation in Buka on 12 March.
In partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Australia is investing AU$14 million over five years for more programs to improve gender equality in Bougainville.

Mar 17 2015

Bougainville Election News : Bougainville to go to polls 11 May to decide future

Counting will commence immediately after the polling period (May 11 and May 25) from May 26 to June 7 and the writs will be returned the next day, June 8, 2015.

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The acting electoral commissioner for Bougainville George Manu has finally made the announcement that the people of Bougainville have been waiting to hear and that is the election dates.

He made this announcement in a press conference today saying this is the announcement that Bougainvilleans have been waiting to hear.

After giving updates on the enrolment of Bougainvilleans living outside of Bougainville and the preliminary roll that will be sent back to the districts and COE’s for public display, the acting electoral commissioner finally revealed the election dates.

He said the issue of writs will take place on March 27, next week Friday and nominations will commence on March 30 to April 1.

He explained that nominations will take place in these three days while the polling period will fall between May 11 and May 25.

Mr. Manu who was happy to make this announcement on the election dates said counting will commence immediately after the polling period from May 26 to June 7 and the writs will be returned the next day, June 8, 2015.

The acting electoral commissioner added that he is satisfied because funding is available and he would like to thank the ABG for making funding available to conduct the election.

He then stressed that this election is crucial and they will do their best to ensure that all eligible voters are able to cast their votes in the election.

Mr. Manu concluded that they will be following the election calendar to conduct the 2015 ABG general election.