PNG Opposition Leader, Don Polye, at Maramuni Photo: supplied
The Papua New Guinea opposition leader Don Polye said if he leads the next government Bougainvilleans will get the socio-economic development they need to prepare for the referendum on independence.
In 2019 Bougainville is set to vote on whether to remain in PNG or become independent.
On an election campaign visit to Bougainville, Mr Polye said the region should be empowered.
Mr Polye says when he was the Treasury Minister, he budgeted $US31 million a year for the Autonomous Bougainville Government to develop its infrastructure, but the Peter O'Neill-led administration has failed to meet this commitment.
Mr Polye said the prime minister is careless and irresponsible and he says failing to honour the funding in the Bougainville Peace Agreement is illegal and unconstitutional.