The landmark vote was the cornerstone of a 2001 peace agreement that followed a brutal decade-long civil war between Bougainville rebels, Papua New Guinea security forces and foreign mercenaries that left up to 20,000 people dead. But recently appointed prime minister James Marape cautioned the crowd that the “hard work” now lay ahead for both Bougainville and the rest of PNG. Bougainville Referendum Commission Chairman Bertie Ahern (centre) signs the referendum announcement in Bougainville. The landslide vote for independence had sent “shockwaves” through Papua New Guinea’s government, according to referendum chair Bertie Ahern, who said PNG officials expected a larger number of voters would back greater autonomy. Wednesday’s referendum results are expected to prompt a dash for influence among regional powers China, the United States and Australia.

Source: New Strait Times December 13, 2019 09:00 UTC