# Bougainville independence ratification process

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bougainville-independence-ratification-process
> Updated: 2026-09-10T13:34:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The Papua New Guinea Parliament has begun the process of debating the ratification of the 2019 Bougainville independence referendum results, in which 97.7 percent of participants supported independence. Prime Minister James Marape has called for a grave approach to the deliberations, noting the significant implications for national identity and sovereignty.

Procedural disputes have emerged regarding the threshold required for ratification. While Bougainville authorities argue that a simple majority is sufficient, the Papua New Guinea government maintains that a two-thirds majority—at least 79 of the 118 parliamentary members—is required. Under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, the final decision rests with the National Parliament.

Authorities from both governments are scheduled to meet in October to determine a date for the parliamentary vote. Bougainville Affairs Minister Manaseh Makiba has formally tabled the referendum results alongside the Joint Consultation Report and the Melanesian Framework Agreement. However, Minister Makiba noted that the two governments have not yet reached common ground on an alternative pathway should Parliament vote against the independence request.

An independent Bougainville faces significant economic hurdles, as the region’s own revenue currently accounts for only 7 percent of its budget. The region’s future may depend on the redevelopment of the Panguna copper and gold mine, which holds an estimated mineral wealth of approximately $60 billion and is projected to generate $36 billion over 20 years.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Bougainville independence: Papua New Guinea to discuss referendum ratification

Papua New Guinea and Bougainville officials will meet in October to discuss ratifying a 2019 referendum in which 97.7% of Bougainville residents voted for independence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bougainville-independence-papua-new-guinea-to-discuss-referendum-ratification

### 2026-08-27: Bougainville independence results reach Papua New Guinea Parliament

Papua New Guinea's Parliament has received the 2019 Bougainville referendum results, confirming a 97.7 percent vote for independence, as lawmakers prepare to debate the region's potential statehood.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bougainville-independence-results-reach-papua-new-guinea-parliament

### 2026-08-25: Bougainville independence referendum to be debated by PNG Parliament

Papua New Guinea's Parliament will debate ratifying the 2019 Bougainville referendum, in which 97.7% of voters chose independence. Prime Minister Marape has called for national unity during the process.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bougainville-independence-vote-to-be-debated-by-png-parliament

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Cite as: Bougainville independence ratification process. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bougainville-independence-ratification-process