Bougainville rejoices as island decides on a break from PNG

Joyous voters in the Pacific island chain of Bougainville cheered and sang as they flocked to the polls at the weekend.

Bougainville residents queue to vote in Buka on Saturday. Picture: AFP

Joyous voters in the Pacific island chain of Bougainville cheered and sang as they flocked to the polls at the weekend at the start of a long-awaited referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea.

In the early morning sun, more than 1000 people waited eagerly to cast their ballots at one polling station in the main city of Buka, as others — festooned in grass garlands — formed makeshift choirs that went through the streets, waving independence flags, blowing bamboo pipes and chanting in chorus.

“I am so happy,” said 54-year-old Olitha Mokela on Saturday.

“I am going to rejoice and the bamboo band must play and I’ll dance and go and vote.”

Dozens of small boats, with pro-independence flags waving above, ferried people from smaller islands off Buka to vote in the city.

Some 207,000 Bougainvilleans are registered to vote over the next two weeks, deciding whether the tiny Melanesian isles will become the world’s newest nation. Their choice is between full independence or greater autonomy within PNG.

The vote caps a 2001 peace deal that ended a decade-long war between Bougainville rebels, PNG security forces and foreign mercenaries in which up to 20,000 people were killed.

A steady stream of voters cast their ballots in similarly festive scenes at 21 stations around the territory on Saturday.

Results are due to be released on December 15 and supporters of full independence are expected to win handily. If voters choose independence, the decision would need ratification from the PNG parliament, where there is anxiety Bougainville could set a precedent and spur other independence movements in the country.

Bougainville regional president John Momis cautioned excited voters that the referendum was only one step in a long process and urged patience. “We should not rush things, we should take our time to ensure a good outcome,” he said, adding that a final result “could be five years” away.

Independence could instantly make the islands a new front in the battle for influence being waged across the South Pacific between China, the US and Australia. They are among the poorest in the southern hemisphere and the need for cash to build infrastructure, develop institutions and balance the books “creates an opportunity for actors like China to get involved”, said Jonathan Pryke of Sydney’s Lowy Institute.

The 1988-1998 war had its roots in a struggle over revenues from the now-shut Panguna copper mine, which once accounted for more than 40 per cent of PNG exports. The mine is estimated to still hold more than five million tonnes of copper and 19 million ounces of gold. Who controls that wealth is likely to be vital in determining whether a newly born Bougainville succeeds.

AFP