Elections in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: 2019 Referendum

In 2001, the Bougainville Crisis ended with the signing of a peace agreement that formalized Bougainville’s status as an autonomous region within Papua New Guinea. Starting on November 23, Bougainvilleans will go to the polls to vote for either “greater autonomy” or “independence.” Whatever the result of the referendum, the process will be followed by bilateral negotiations between the two governments.

To help you understand this important electoral process, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Elections in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: 2019 Referendum. IFES FAQs include:

• What are Bougainvilleans voting for in the referendum?
• Are there provisions for voting outside Bougainville?
• How was the electoral roll prepared?
• Who can observe during the elections? How can they get accreditation?

Download IFES' FAQs on Elections in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: 2019 Referendum.

Learn more about IFES' programs in Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.