Bougainville independence: Papua New Guinea to discuss referendum ratification

Authorities from Papua New Guinea and the autonomous region of Bougainville are scheduled to meet in October to determine a date for a parliamentary vote regarding the 2019 independence referendum. In that vote, 97.7% of the population supported secession.

The process faces procedural disputes. Bougainville authorities argue that a simple majority is sufficient for ratification, while the Papua New Guinea government maintains that a two-thirds majority—at least 79 of the 118 parliamentary members—is required. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape noted that while the current proposal is a milestone, it does not conclude the parliamentary process.

An independent Bougainville faces significant economic and institutional hurdles. Currently, the region's own revenue accounts for only 7% of its budget, with limited access to electricity and healthcare. The future of the region may depend on the Panguna copper and gold mine, which holds estimated mineral wealth of approximately $60 billion. Restarting the mine is projected to generate $36 billion over 20 years.