By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
As part of preparations towards the referendum, the Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) has provided an update on its activities towards this important event.
According to Chief Referendum officer, Mauricio Claudio, the six-week extension granted by both the National Government and Autonomous Bougainville Government provides an opportunity to ensure that all aspects of the vote are ready.
Writs for the Bougainville Referendum will be issued on the 27th of this month, with polling to begin on November 23rd.
In providing a status report on preparations by the Bougainville Referendum Commission, Chief Referendum Officer, Mauricio Claudio, said that given a recent six-week extension agreed to by both the National, and Autonomous Bougainville Governments, preparations are on track for this historic exercise.
With voter enrolment now complete, the BRC is now embarking on public displays of the referendum roll to allow for eligible voters to check if their names are on the roll to vote. During this period, the BRC is also commencing the registration of interest groups, observers and media for the referendum period.
Given these developments, the BRC is confident that the official referendum process will proceed smoothly, with the Issue of Writs on Friday 27th September, with Polling to commence November 23rd.
The BRC expects counting to be completed within two weeks, with the results to be provided to the Governor General in December.
