There is a call in Bougainville for the vote on independence not to be delayed.
Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
June 15 next year had been tentatively set for the referendum on possible independence from Papua New Guinea, but in recent weeks there have been suggestions that the region is not ready and may need to delay it.
A man who headed the Bougainville Interim Government during the region's crisis a generation ago, Martin Miriori, said 15 June 2019 was already fixed in the minds of the people and a delay would be very disappointing.
He said if this happens the PNG and Bougainville governments are to blame for not doing enough planning and giving the issue serious enough attention over the past 13 years.
Mr Miriori said when both governments meet as the Joint Supervisory Board on Friday in Arawa they must drop any plans to move the date of the event.