Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has issued a stark warning that the autonomous region’s national elections scheduled for 2027 may not proceed if the Papua New Guinea (PNG) national government continues to disregard the core resolutions of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB). This body, established as part of the 2019 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), plays a central role in overseeing the transition to full autonomy, including electoral arrangements and preparations for potential independence.
Toroama’s comments reflect deepening frustrations in Buka over what is perceived as inconsistent or undermining behaviour by State ministers. By publicly making statements that could “nullify all JSB resolutions, past, present and future,” the national government risks eroding trust in the institutional frameworks designed to manage PNG–Bougainville relations. The President’s warning signals that Bougainville’s leadership may no longer view JSB participation as meaningful if the body’s authority is not respected, creating a potential governance vacuum ahead of critical electoral milestones.
The implications of a postponed or disrupted election are significant. A delay could not only destabilise Bougainville’s autonomous government structures but also complicate the ongoing referendum mandate for independence. For PNG, ignoring JSB resolutions undermines both domestic credibility and regional standing, as the Bougainville peace process has been closely monitored by Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific regional partners.
Policy options for PNG are clear but politically sensitive. The government must publicly reaffirm its commitment to the JSB and demonstrate consistent implementation of its resolutions. Failure to do so risks inflaming separatist sentiment in Bougainville, eroding confidence in autonomous governance, and potentially drawing international attention to internal political dysfunction. Conversely, actively engaging with JSB processes, respecting prior resolutions, and coordinating clearly with Bougainville leadership could reinforce the peace framework, facilitate smooth preparations for the 2027 elections, and maintain PNG’s reputation as a responsible regional actor.
In short, the Bougainville case underscores the delicate balance between national authority and autonomous governance. The window to maintain trust and ensure electoral legitimacy is narrowing, and decisive, consistent engagement with JSB mechanisms will be crucial for averting a constitutional and political crisis.