The Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Simon Pentanu, formally announced the issuance of writs for the Fifth General Elections of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) this past Monday at Parliament House. He emphasized the significance of this electoral process, stating that it allows the citizens to exert their power in choosing their representatives, either by re-electing or replacing those previously serving them.
Pentanu praised Bougainville’s historical commitment to conducting credible elections, urging the populace to uphold the region’s legacy of fairness, honesty, and transparency in the electoral process. He noted the important role women have played in politics within Bougainville and highlighted the representation of women in parliament and international forums.
Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai described the writs’ issuance as a key event that marks the beginning of the electoral activities. He reassured the public about the preparedness of the Electoral Commission to deliver the upcoming elections in alignment with international standards of free, fair, and lawful conduct.
Nominations for candidates will occur on July 8, 2025, with specific processes in place for various constituency seats. Following the nomination phase, a seven-week campaign period will ensue, culminating in polling starting on September 4, 2025. Tsianai appealed to all candidates to maintain peace during their campaigns, adhering to the legacy of Bougainville’s fair electoral history.
This generation of elections presents an opportunity not only for the continuation of democratic values within Bougainville but also serves as a testament to the resilience and commitment of its people toward a transparent governance system. The anticipation around the elections underscores a hopeful outlook towards a strong, vibrant democratic process in the region.
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