Draft constitution for Bougainville released

THE Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) has released the first draft of the constitution for an independent Bougainville.
This draft marks a significant step in the region’s path towards political independence, given that it is homegrown and is accessible on the Autonomous Bougainville Government website for public consumption. President Ishmael Toroama said that it was his intention that as widely as practicable, citizens of Bougainville within and outside of Bougainville were given the opportunity to be part of the decision making process on the establishment of the Independent Constitution for Bougainville.
The consultations, set to start this month, will see the draft constitution being discussed with Bougainvilleans to gather feedback and input.
The consultation programme is set to begin in mainland Papua New Guinea, with four regional teams scheduled to travel to the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands, and Southern region.
After the PNG consultations, the focus will shift to consultations within Bougainville.
During these consultations, the BCPC will collect views and issues from Bougainvilleans, which will then be compiled and discussed by the commissioners.
Based on this feedback, instructions will be provided to the drafters to create a second and final draft of the constitution for Bougainville. The 116-page document carries in 14 chapters the key areas which formulate the basis of the constitution.
In line with progressive implementations, the draft states that it is the intention of the people of Bougainville that this Constitution be implemented and realised over time, and will evolve accordingly.