By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Buka
This year’s Autonomous Bougainville Government third General Election is vital, as it will determine Bougainville’s future political status on referendum.
EM TV conducted interviews around Buka town, to find out the people’s expectations and what they would want the next elected ABG leaders to do.
It’s understood that this year’s ABG General Election is crucial, when Bougainville enters into its window period of referendum, making the decision whether to become an independent nation or remain an integral part of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
Bougainville’s quest for full autonomy, depends on the leaders voted into the next Bougainville House of Representatives, must speak on referendum.
This election is critical, leaders with sense of integrity are needed representing Bougainville’s interest and maintaining relations with the PNG National Government.
Sr Lorraine Garasu, a Catholic nun and human rights advocator, said that peace and security is paramount. Bougainville needs honest and transparent leaders who will make autonomy work and prepare Bougainville for the transit period that will subject to the final decision.
Wilson Getsi from Lemankoa, Haku in Buka said that this year’s election will determine Bougainville’s future political future. Therefore people must elect good leaders.
Leah Novette said that the next elected leaders must understand well the Bougainville Peace Agreement and talk about referendum.
Monica Kirin from Lemanmanu, Haku Constituency of Buka said that women must be supported when contesting elections because they were at the forefront negotiating for peace during and after the Crisis.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IOC92lVVQmw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
