After two weeks of voting in a plebiscite to determine whether to become a sovereign nation, Bougainville has voted overwhelmingly in support of independence from Papua New Guinea.

The vote, which was held between the 23rd of November and the 7th of December, is the result of a peace agreement reached in the aftermath of a protracted civil war between Bougainville’s rebel fighters and Papua New Guinean forces.

The Vote

Voters chose between greater autonomy for Bougainville within Papua New Guinea or independence. 

Referendum Question

Do you agree for Bougainville to have: (1) Greater Autonomy (2) Independence

Almost 98 per cent of the total votes cast chose independence. Out of the 181, 067 total ballots counted, 176,928 voted for independence, while 3,043 voted chose greater autonomy. The turnout for the referendum was also high, pegged at 85 per cent, marking the highest turnout for an election in the country.

A Long Process Ahead

Per the peace agreement, the outcome of this referendum is subject to ratification by the Papua New Guinea national parliament, making the vote non-binding. 

The Prime Minister of the country, James Marape who has acknowledged the result as the ‘voice of Bougainvilleans,’ says consultations on the referendum will start soon. The Autonomous Bougainville Government, President John Momis and Prime Minister Marape are expected to jointly declare the referendum result on the 13th of December in Arawa.

It is unclear how long the consultation process will take, some observers say it can take up to a decade before the region gains independence. As the final decision rests with the national parliament, some worry that the process will be delayed, a situation that could threaten peace in the country. President Momis, however, has high hopes. He was reportedly said: “We are all full of expectations and hope. If we work together, the outcome will be good and official…and most importantly and produce lasting peace.”