A new nation in the making, Bougainville votes for independence from Papua New Guinea

The South Pacific islands of Bougainville overwhelmingly voted for independence from Papua New Guinea, according to official referendum results released Wednesday.

The non-binding results, which require ratification from Papua New Guinea’s Parliament, could create the world’s newest country.

Almost 98% of the 181,067 votes cast backed independence for the Melanesian island.

The referendum was part of a peace deal ending a 1988-1998 civil war between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea that left at least 15,000 people dead.

Although there are fears that an independent Bougainville could set a precedent for other independence movements in tribally diverse Papua New Guinea, the scale of the victory for the pro-independence movement will be difficult for Port Moresby to ignore.

Rejecting the results could reignite conflict and endanger the peace process.

Via DW