Papua New Guinea will seek to ensure a likely majority vote for independence in its autonomous region doesn't trigger a break-up of the state, says PNG's Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
Sir Puka Temu was on hand in Bougainville at the weekend to witness the start of a two-week polling period for the region's non-binding independence referendum.
Sir Puka says it's clear Bougainvilleans will vote overwhelmingly for independence.
But PNG's Parliament has to approve the result in order for it be implemented, and Sir Puka urged Bougainville to allow PNG time as a nation to process the result, as post-referendum consultations get underway.
PNG's Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Puka Temu. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Johnny Blades
