The National Research Institute has released two preliminary reports commissioned under its Bougainville Referendum Research Project.
A seminar was held today (November 14) to have the Reports on the Referendum Case Study, as well as on the Referendum’s Administration being presented to stakeholders.
With less than two years until the referendum, the authors of the respective reports called for stakeholders to work together to ensure the referendum’s success.
June 15, 2019 has been set as the date at which the people of Bougainville will hold a referendum on their political future.
The country’s think-tank, National Research Institute, considers the upcoming Referendum on Bougainville to be a significant national event that will impact the wellbeing of Bougainville and PNG.
According to Acting NRI Director, Dr Osborne Sanida, given the national effect that the referendum result could have for the country, the NRI has decided to commission reports through the Bougainville Referendum Research Project.
The two preliminary reports released were on the Referendum Case Study, as well as the Referendum Administration Issues Study.
With just twenty months before the referendum, there have been some concerns raised by many, both in Bougainville, and outside of Bougainville, on the seeming lack of progress by respective offices charged with delivering the referendum.
According to the researchers, with the reports focusing more on the referendum process, there is a distinct need for all stakeholders to work together immediately in the lead up to the referendum itself.
