2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum

A non-binding independence referendum was held in Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, between 23 November and 7 December 2019. The referendum question was a choice between greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea and full independence; voters voted overwhelmingly (98.31%) for independence.

2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum
(2019-11-23) (2019-12-07)23 November – 7 December 2019
Do you agree for Bougainville to have:
1. Greater autonomy
2. Independence      
Results
Choice
 Votes  %
Greater autonomy 3,043 1.69%
Independence 176,928 98.31%
Valid votes 179,971 99.39%
Invalid or blank votes 1,096 0.61%
Total votes 181,067 100.00%
Registered voters/turnout 207,213 87.38%
Part of a series on the
History of Bougainville

The referendum was a result of a 2001 agreement between the government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government that ended a civil war fought from 1988 to 1998. The vote is non-binding and the government of Papua New Guinea has the final authority of decision on the political status of Bougainville. Observers have said that the clear result makes it difficult for Papua New Guinea to ignore or delay the result, but that independence could take years to achieve.

In July 2021, an agreement was reached between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, in which Bougainville will gain independence by 2027 if it is ratified by Papua New Guinea's parliament.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.