A counting centre for the 2025 Bougainville general election. Photo: Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner - OBEC
The Office of Bougainville's Electoral Commission (OBEC) has announced that, after careful consideration, it has determined that there is insufficient time to return the writs for the 2025 general election, by the 22 September deadline.
The Electoral Commissioner has decided, in line with Sections 146 and 147 of the Bougainville Elections Act, and under public notice, that it is necessary to extend the date for the return of writs until 6 October.
Voters went to the polls on 5 September, with voting extended through to 6 September to ensure all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots.
There are more than 239,000 registered voters in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region, where independence remained a key issue.
After polling, ballot boxes were securely transported to the four counting centres, with police providing constant security.
Due to logistical issues counting began three days later than expected, on 12 September, and was still ongoing.
Bougainville's Electoral Commissioner, Desmond Tsianai Photo: Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner - OBEC
"OBEC is committed to ensuring the count is conducted in a transparent, peaceful, and calm environment, and remains grateful for the cooperation of candidates, scrutineers, observers, and the public," said Electoral Commissioner, Desmond Tsianai.
OBEC stated that its priority was the timely establishment of a new House of Representatives.
To achieve this, the scrutiny and counting of votes must be carried out with the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.
OBEC had stated that it reaffirmed its commitment to completing the counting process as quickly and transparently as possible.
The Commissioner extended his gratitude to OBEC electoral officials for their resilience, to candidates and scrutineers for their engagement, and to observers and media for their oversight.
"This has been a transparent and peaceful election process," the Commissioner said.
"Together, with the patience and commitment of all involved, we will bring this election to a successful conclusion."
