By Sasha Pei-Silovo – EM TV Online
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government (ABG), Chief Dr John Momis, has announced the establishment of a new department to facilitate and manage the Bougainville referendum.
The newly created Bougainville Referendum Office will be led by former Acting Chief Secretary of Bougainville, Chris Siriosi.
Under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the referendum period is to be staged between 2015 and 2020.
The Bougainville Referendum Office will works towards ensuring the referendum is successfully implemented; and will manage all stakeholder relationships with the ABG, which include the ongoing partnership with the national government of Papua New Guinea.
Part of the department’s functions will include the execution of community awareness to all Bougainvilleans, on the referendum; supporting the ABG’s goal of enhancing the peoples’ understanding of the referendum and the significance held in paving the way forward for the region.
“Bougainville’s referendum will determine the ultimate political future of Bougainville,” said President Momis.
Momis has expressed great confidence in Mr Siriosi’s appointment to the new post of CEO for the Bougainville Referendum Office.
“Mr Siriosi’s knowledge and experience on this issue will be a great asset to the government and his legal background will also be of great use to the new department,” he added.
