2020 Bougainvillean general election

A presidential and parliamentary election was held in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville between 12 August and 1 September 2020.[1] 440 candidates were contesting the 40 seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives, including 25 competing to be President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.[2] The new government will negotiate the outcome of the 2019 Bougainvillean independence referendum, which saw 98.3% of voters supporting independence from Papua New Guinea.

2020 Bougainvillean general election
12 August-1 September, 2020
 
Party Bougainville People's Alliance Party Independent
Popular vote 48,766 30,688
President before election

John Momis
New Bougainville Party

 Subsequent President

Ishmael Toroama
Bougainville People's Alliance Party

Politics of Bougainville

Originally scheduled to be held in May,[3] the elections were delayed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, first until June,[4] and then again until August.[1]

On 21 August 2020 the Electoral Commissioner announced that polling had almost been completed, one week ahead of schedule.[5] On 24 August a police officer was suspended for allegedly interfering with the election.[6] Several other officers are under investigation.

Presidential election

Elections are held under the instant-runoff voting system, with voters classifying exactly three candidates. 25 candidates are contesting the presidency, including former President James Tanis, former soldier Thomas Raivet, MP Fidelis Semoso, lawyer Paul Nerau, businessman Peter Tsiamalili, health care professional Ruby Mirinka, and former MP Magdalene Toroansi.[7]

Incumbent President John Momis attempted to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term.[8] Following Parliament voting down the amendment he unsuccessfully challenged the decision in the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court.[9]

Results

Vote counting began on 4 September 2020.[10] Partial results at the beginning of the elimination process on 18 September had former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander Ishmael Toroama leading, with former PNG MP Father Simon Dumarinu in second place, followed by Thomas Raivet and Fidelis Semoso.[11]

On 14 September the counting period was extended until 24 September due to the number of votes and candidates.[12]

On 23 September Ishmael Toroama was declared the winner after the 23rd elimination, with 48,766 votes. Father Simon Dumarinu came second with 30,688.[13][14][15] Toroama's caretaker government was formally sworn in on 25 September.[16] His Cabinet was announced on 2 October 2020.[17]

References
  1. "Bougainville allowing for three week election because of Covid-19". RNZ. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  2. "Bougainville election underway today". RNZ. 12 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  3. "Bougainville Speaker to issue writs for upcoming election". RNZ. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  4. "Electoral process in Bougainville to begin in June". RNZ. 29 April 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  5. "Bougainville voting close to done". RNZ. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  6. "Bougainville police officer suspended over election allegations". RNZ. 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  7. "Bougainville Election 2020 News : Polling starts today 12 August with young people seizing the opportunity to help reshape our future". Bougainville News. 12 August 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  8. "Bougainville govt confident of achieving three presidency terms". RNZ. 2 March 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  9. "Bougainville's Momis loses bid for another tilt at leadership". RNZ. 30 May 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  10. "Bougainvilleans called on to respect rule of law amid vote count". RNZ. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  11. "Elimination begins in race for Bougainville presidency". RNZ. 18 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  12. "Numbers force Bougainville election count extension". RNZ. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  13. "Ishmael Toroama president-elect of Bougainville". RNZ. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  14. Leanne Jorari and Ben Doherty (23 September 2020). "Bougainville independence high on agenda as Ishmael Toroama elected president". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  15. "Former Rebel Leader Is Elected President of Bougainville". New York Times. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  16. "Bougainville's Toroama sworn in as President". RNZ. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  17. "Bougainville's Toroama forms a 14 member Cabinet". RNZ. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2020.


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