Media Release
Arawa, Bougainville - Wednesday 10th, March 1999.
Bougainville Election not illegal, Mandate for BRG elections legal under the BRG
Constitution, and, the Will of the people.
James Tanis, newly chosen Acting/Co-Chairman of the Bougainville Constituent
Assembly (whilst his leader Co-Chairman Joseph Kabui is on sick leave) said from
Arawa today that elections on Bougainville will go ahead as planned by the
Bougainville leaders.
"I am absolutely amazed that a body such as the PNG Electoral Commission can
construe our preparations for the BRG elections as illegal. When they have all
along been made fully aware of the progress of the peace process, which amongst
other things calls for the election of a Bougainville Government," said a surprised
Tanis.
"The mandate for elections comes under the BRG Constitution endorsed and
adopted by the people of Bougainville and their leaders on the 24th December 1998.
One of its very first legal acts was to elect members of the Constituent Assembly
(BCA) on 15th of January 1999.
On comments on the PNG Opposition on threat to aid and abet boycotting the
election, if the BRA were not disarmed; Mr.Tanis challenged
Mr.Narakobi and Mr.John Momis if serious about disarmament, to table before
the PPCC within the next 7 days a "Withdrawal Plan of the PNGDF and Police
Riot Squad" from Bougainville.
"The BRA Disposal of Arms Plan has already been tabled before this PPCC's meeting.
The peace process is ours and we are not going to allow anyone to stand in its way",
said Mr.Tanis.
"I stand in full support of my Co-Chairman Gerard Sinato and a/Administrator
John Siau for the BRG elections take place as scheduled. The legitimacy of the
BRG elections comes from the people of Bougainville. The PNG Electoral
Commission should interfere as little as possible", concluded Mr.Tanis from Arawa
today.
For further information please contact Tanis on - +(872) 761 338 978 - Arawa
Bougainville.
===========================
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