Former New Zealand governor general Sir Jerry Mateparae, right, with PNG Prime Minister James Marape, and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama in Port Moresby. 3 October 2024 Photo: Facebook / The National Daily
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) says a joint understanding has been reached with Papua New Guinea to broaden the role of the recently appointed independent moderator, former New Zealand Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
The Bougainville minister heading the Independence Mission, Ezekiel Masatt, told the ABG's parliament there has been a recognition for a "working moderator" who could offer, not only oversight, but help facilitate the next stages of the referendum ratification process.
Masatt said he's impatient to get Sir Jerry down to work.
"The joint statement by the Prime Minister [James Marape] and President [Ishmael Toroama] in announcing Sir Jerry's appointment had a broadening of his responsibilities and at the moment, the technical teams have yet to meet in terms of that broadening part of his engagement."
He said without a broader role Sir Jerry's involvement would be futile.
"We are waiting on national government to formally agree to a quick JSB [Joint Supervisory Body meeting] and that JSB not only endorses Sir Jerry's appointment, but also endorses an amended Terms of Reference, broadening his engagement.
This concerns getting the 2019 referendum results, which were overwhelmingly in favour of independence, before the parliament so the ratification process can commence.
But Masatt said it is possible that an alternative route to ratification could be chosen.
"There's been commentaries on whether the ratification part will actually involve the matter going before Parliament."
He said if parliament was not involved some other organ of government could be used.
"Not necessarily the Prime Minister and the President, [but] definitely, they would be in the mix.
Ezekiel Masatt Photo: PINA
"But I think the work of the moderator is quite flexible enough for him to be consulting with stakeholders. And you will note from the JSB resolution that he is also required to work through the parliamentary bipartisan committee, which will have ABG membership.
"So, I can't quite define at this stage what that would mean, but I think it needs a bit more thinking in terms of if the matter is not going before parliament, which I'm sure will be resisted to a great extent. I think those options must remain on the table."
Next year, Bougainville is to go to elections and Masatt feels this is significant for the process.
"My view is that the ABG election next year is quite critical," he said.
"I have no doubt that people who might not necessarily share the people's views on political independence will try to get into the driver's seat and divert Bougainville away from what the referendum result is, and look at other options that might be a bit more amenable to certain people.
"For me personally, I have no doubt that the next year's ABG election is very critical to where Bougainville intends to go," he added.
