A joint understanding has been reached between the Governments of Bougainville and Papua Guinea to broaden the role of the recently appointed independent moderator, Sir Jerry Mateparae.
In a ministerial statement delivered in the Bougainville House of Representatives last week, ABG Attorney General and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission, Ezekiel Masatt, provided this update highlighting the importance of the moderator’s role in advancing key elements of the post-referendum process.
Minister Masatt outlined that the engagement of the moderator was necessitated following ongoing disagreements between the two governments on outstanding issues relating to the sessional order and related matters to bring the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum to the National Parliament.
“There were a number of consultations held between the President and the Prime Minister and Minister Makiba and me whence we worked together through potential candidates for the moderator. In the end both Minister Makiba and I finally settled on Sir Jerry Mateparae to be the moderator,” Masatt explained.
This joint recommendation was then provided to the Prime Minister and President after which, both leaders released a joint statement announcing the appointment of Sir Jerry Mateparae.
According to Minister Masatt, the original scope of the moderator’s role was expanded through joint discussions between the two government leaders. These discussions recognised the need for a “working moderator” who could offer not only oversight but active facilitation in preparing the next stages of the referendum ratification process.
Sir Jerry Mataparae, a distinguished former Governor-General of New Zealand, was selected following a comprehensive review of candidates provided by both governments and the United Nations. His role is now set to include broader responsibilities, aimed at bridging gaps between the ABG and the National Government as they navigate the final steps of Bougainville’s political aspirations.
A formal JSB meeting is expected to help to formalise the expanded terms of reference of the moderator and his responsibilities in the ongoing political dialogue for Bougainville’s independence.
