'Bless this referendum': Bougainville votes and prays for independence

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Celebrations as voting begins to decide whether the region will break away from Papua New Guinea

In the coastal town of Buka a solemn procession of people makes its way from the Catholic church to Bel Isi park, where worshippers kneel before a makeshift cross. There is one subject that dominates the prayers in Bougainville today.

“We are gathered here this morning in Bel Isi Park to ask you to bless the referendum. May it be peaceful and successful,” says the priest.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/35KLYZv

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