The Bougainville Referendum Commission has written to the Papua New Guinea and Bougainville governments asking for a six-week extension beyond the agreed October 12 independence referendum date.
A tentative date of June 15th 2019 has been set for a referendum on possible independence in the Autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
BRC chairman Bertie Ahern cited a very tight time frame to complete the referendum roll and other challenges facing the commission as reasons for its request.
The Post Courier newspaper reported the extension letter was presented during the ministerial post referendum taskforce meeting in Port Moresby last week.
Mr Ahern is due in Port Moresby this week for ongoing awareness and referendum meetings which will further address challenges and reasons for the request.
Bougainville Affairs Minister Sir Puka Temu was due to present his nation address on Bougainville in parliament on Tuesday, but has delayed it until Thursday.
A possible extension would not affect the timeline of the agreed date under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, which must be achieved by June 2020.