Bougainville Papua New Guinea Elections 2025

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Buka, Bougainville (Sept. 5, 2025) — In the tropical archipelago cleaved from the mainland of Papua New Guinea, voters turned out this week in a pivotal election that may chart the final course toward independence. With ballots cast for president and a new House of Representatives, Bougainvilleans are placing their trust in institutions at a moment when the dream of full sovereignty hangs in the balance.

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville carries a history steeped in struggle and promise. For nearly a decade, from 1988 to 1997, it endured a bloody civil war rooted in disputes over the giant Panguna copper mine, land rights, and political marginalization. The conflict claimed as many as 20,000 lives, displaced tens of thousands more, and devastated the local economy before a fragile peace deal was signed. Out of that peace came Bougainville’s special autonomous status and its right to eventually hold a referendum on independence.

In 2019, Bougainvilleans seized that opportunity, voting overwhelmingly, 98.3 percent, for independence from Papua New Guinea. The result carried enormous moral weight but was legally nonbinding. Under the terms of the peace agreement, the national parliament in Port Moresby must ratify Bougainville’s exit before full sovereignty can be realized. Negotiations since 2019 have been painstakingly slow, with leaders from both governments setting 2027 as a target year for finalizing Bougainville’s political future. For many here, this week’s general election is about choosing the team that will shepherd those final negotiations and lay the groundwork for nationhood.

Authorities originally set Sept. 4 as election day but pushed most voting to Sept. 5 after logistical problems emerged. The Bougainville Electoral Commissioner cited serious issues with the printing, delivery, and serial numbering of ballot papers, acknowledging that some materials failed to reach remote constituencies in time. For Central Bougainville, polling continued through Sept. 8 to ensure every registered voter had a chance to participate. Roughly 238,000 citizens were on the rolls under the revised voter registration process — a milestone reflecting years of administrative improvement.

This election marked another first: aside from outer islands, voting was consolidated into a single day across the region, signaling a more mature and streamlined electoral system. Observers from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) were present to monitor proceedings, adding confidence to an electorate long wary of outside interference. In a media statement, Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai underscored the importance of the vote. “It is important that this election is successful and credible, because we want legitimate leaders in the government, who will continue discussions with Papua New Guinea over independence,” Tsianai said. Despite occasional rain delays and transportation difficulties in mountainous areas, officials reported strong turnout and a generally peaceful vote.

The presidential race is a crowded one. Incumbent President Ishmael Toroama, a former rebel commander who became a key figure in the peace process, is seeking a second term on a platform of continuity and steady negotiations with Port Moresby. In the days leading up to the election, “If Bougainvilleans want me to be re-elected, then they will do it,” Toroama said.

Legislative races have been just as competitive, with more than 400 candidates vying for 46 seats in Bougainville’s House of Representatives. A record number of women — 34 — entered the race this year, contesting both open and reserved seats. Advocates say their participation is essential to shaping inclusive governance in a future independent state.

Vote counting began almost immediately after polls closed but soon ran into delays as results from remote constituencies trickled in. Torrential rains, boat breakdowns, and security escorts slowed ballot transport from islands and mountain valleys. By mid-September, electoral officials acknowledged that the original Sept. 22 deadline for returning the results could not be met. In a public statement, the Bougainville Electoral Commission confirmed “there is insufficient time to return the writs … by the 22 September deadline.” A new timeline was issued, setting Oct. 6 as the date for election results returns and the swearing-in of a caretaker executive council.

For Bougainvilleans, these delays are frustrating but familiar. Many remember the challenges of 2019’s referendum, when logistical hurdles similarly slowed the count. The patience on display this year reflects the stakes: this is not merely an exercise in democracy but a rehearsal for full nationhood.

The outcome will determine who leads Bougainville into the next phase of talks with Papua New Guinea. Toroama’s administration has favored a cautious approach to independence, seeking to strengthen fiscal capacity, taxation systems, and foreign investment before making the final break. His opponents argue that the region risks losing momentum and that Port Moresby might use delays to weaken Bougainville’s hand.

Whichever way the votes fall, one fact is certain: Bougainvilleans have reaffirmed their commitment to charting their own future through democratic means. The ballots cast this week carry more than political weight — they are a demand that Port Moresby honor the 2019 referendum and respect the will of the islands’ people. As counting continues and results are returned, the next president will face an urgent task: forging consensus at home, negotiating with the national government, and preparing institutions for possible nationhood by 2027. For Bougainville, this election is not merely about who governs — it is about proving to the world that the region is ready to stand on its own.

By Marina Chauffaille