The publication notes that, according to experts, the vast majority of residents can vote for the island’s independence from Papua New Guinea, while, as it is specified, the referendum will not put an end to this issue - the final result will have to be fixed in the country's parliament.
The second option for the inhabitants of the island may be its "great autonomy."
As the New Zealand broadcasting company Radio New Zealand reports, celebrations in connection with a historic event have already begun on the island.
To monitor the vote, officials of a special commission were sent to Bougainville, which will monitor the “credible and legal process” of the referendum.
Currently, there are international observers on the island, including from the United Nations, writes Papua New Guinea Post-Courier.