The United Bougainville Front (UBF) party has announced it will not nominate a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) election. Instead, the party will fully support the reelection of the current President Ishmael Toroama, emphasizing the importance of continuity and stability in leadership as Bougainville progresses towards independence.
Peter L. Tsiamalili, the UBF’s founder and Regional Member, stated that they celebrate Toroama’s dedication to the region’s sovereignty aspirations. Tsiamalili remarked, “President Toroama’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to the aspirations of our people,” noting that his vision aligns closely with the UBF’s objectives.
The UBF highlighted Toroama’s six-point strategy as pivotal in strengthening governance, economic planning, and community engagement, asserting that his continued leadership is essential at this critical juncture in Bougainville’s independence journey.
While supporting Toroama for the presidency, the UBF will focus its efforts on nominating candidates for constituency-level positions. Tsiamalili stressed the need to empower local leaders to advocate for community interests while pushing the broader independence agenda forward.
He urged Bougainvilleans to see the upcoming election as a vital opportunity to unify against division and complacency, framing it as a chance to reaffirm their commitment to the path toward independence.
Toroama, who has been leading Bougainville since 2020, is at the forefront of ongoing discussions surrounding the region’s independence from Papua New Guinea. This endorsement from the UBF strengthens the collective support around his leadership, particularly as negotiations for independence continue.
The broader context includes ongoing talks regarding the outcome of the 2019 referendum, where 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted for independence. President Toroama has been vocal about the importance of implementing the referendum results and has set a target for Bougainville’s independence by September 1, 2027. This indicates a significant moment in Bougainville’s journey toward self-determination, as the leadership seeks to navigate challenges while fostering unity and hope for a prosperous future.
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