2005 Bougainvillean general election

August 2024 The inaugural of the presidential and the parliamentary elections were held in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea from 20 May to 9 June 2005. Considered fair, peaceful and successful, the elections resulted in Joseph Kabui becoming the first President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Background The 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, which brought an end to the Bougainville conflict, established the Autonomous Bougainville Government and paved the way for the drafting of a constitution.United Nations Security Council United Nations Security Council In Presidential Statement, Security Council Welcomes Elections, Inauguration of Autonomous Bougainville Government, Says Internationally Observed Elections Mark ‘Significant and Historical Landmark’ in Bougainville Peace Process https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/pressrels/2005/sc8411.html New York United Nations Information Service Vienna 16 June 2005 11 August 2024 Writs were issued on 15 April with nominations closing on 21 April. The election received the support and participation of most former independence fighters.PNG's Kabui says former Bougainville fighters committed to polls https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154202/png's-kabui-says-former-bougainville-fighters-committed-to-polls 11 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 1 April 2005 The Papua New Guinea government provided US$3.7 million to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to run the election, and it was agreed to temporarily move the provincial capital to Buka after the previous capital Arawa was largely destroyed during the conflict.Buka chosen as interim seat of government in Bougainville https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/153954/buka-chosen-as-interim-seat-of-government-in-bougainville 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 18 March 2005 Elections were for the President and 39 members of the Bougainville House of Representatives elected in first past the post constituencies, including three seats reserved for women and three reserved for former combatants.Bougainvilleans called on to become agents of their own destiny as election process gets underway https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154512/bougainvilleans-called-on-to-become-agents-of-their-own-destiny-as-election-process-gets-underway 11 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 15 April 2005 The Speaker of the House would be selected after the election from outside parliament, bringing the total number of members to 41. Four parties were recognised as contesting the election: Bougainville People's Congress, New Bougainville Party, Bougainville Independence Movement, and Bougainville Labour Party;Nominations close for candidates in first autonomous poll in PNG's Bougainville https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154615/nominations-close-for-candidates-in-first-autonomous-poll-in-png's-bougainville 11 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 21 April 2005 with a total of 235 candidates standing across the 33 general constituencies and 53 candidates standing across the 6 special constituencies.Q&A: Bougainville Election https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4560265.stm 18 August 2024 BBC 21 May 2005 There were approximately 122,000 eligible votersClaims many missed out on Bougainville vote after being omitted from the rolls https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155300/claims-many-missed-out-on-bougainville-vote-after-being-omitted-from-the-rolls 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 26 May 2005 out of a total population of around 180,000. Campaign Presidential candidates Five candidates contested the presidential election: Joseph Kabui, John Momis, James Tanis, Joel Banam and Bartholomew Kigina.Five to contest presidency in Bougainville elections https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154622/five-to-contest-presidency-in-bougainville-elections 11 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 21 April 2005 Joseph Kabui, a former separatist fighter with the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, led the Bougainville People's Congress. He was hospitalised during the campaign for an ongoing heart problem.Contender for presidency in PNG's Bougainville being treated in hospital https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154412/contender-for-presidency-in-png's-bougainville-being-treated-in-hospital 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 12 April 2005 Kabui emphasised that his main priority was the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Bougainville Constitution.Bougainville's Joseph Kabui running for the Presidency in next month's election on the island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154219/bougainville's-joseph-kabui-running-for-the-presidency-in-next-month's-election-on-the-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 4 April 2005 Kabui also argued that Bougainville's chiefs should be more involved in the government, suggesting similar formalised councils to those in Vanuatu and Fiji, in order to promote grassroots input.PNG leader on Bougainville wants to explore chiefly role https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154946/png-leader-on-bougainville-wants-to-explore-chiefly-role 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 9 May 2005 Kabui also said that a resumption in copper mining, which had been a major cause of the island's conflict, should be seriously considered, but that a referendum should be held before mining was allowed to resume.PNG' s Bougainville eyes re-launch of mining https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154991/png'-s-bougainville-eyes-re-launch-of-mining 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 11 May 2005 John Momis formed and led the New Bougainville Party. The incumbent Governor of Bougainville, Momis resigned his post after 34 years in the Papua New Guinea government to contest the election and run for President of Bougainville.Momis resigns as MP for PNG's Bougainville island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154356/momis-resigns-as-mp-for-png's-bougainville-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 8 April 2005 Momis was criticised by Kabui for resigning from his elected role, but argued that in the national government he had always pushed for decentralisation, and with the election of an Autonomous Bougainville Government his work at a national level was complete.Presidential contender in Bougainville dismisses criticism over entering the race https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155060/presidential-contender-in-bougainville-dismisses-criticism-over-entering-the-race 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 14 May 2005 Momis said he aimed to form a consensus-style government on Bougainville after the election,Bougainville governor aims to form consensus government on PNG island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154134/bougainville-governor-aims-to-form-consensus-government-on-png-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 30 March 2005 and to build a sense of unity on the island, such as through awareness programs to involve youth in development.Presidential contender in PNG's Bougainville aims to consolidate sense of unity https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154642/presidential-contender-in-png's-bougainville-aims-to-consolidate-sense-of-unity 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 22 April 2005 Momis said that calls to lift a moratorium on mining exploration were to "signal to the world that Bougainville has a responsible government in place which wants to be fiscally self-reliant, and wants to attract responsible foreign investors", though also stated mining would have to wait until the government administration was well established. James Tanis was formerly the deputy leader of Bougainville People's Congress, but founded the Bougainville Independence Movement party to contest the election. Joel Banam was Chairman of the Leitana Council of Elders; Bartholomew Kigina hailed from Buin in South Bougainville. Women's electorates Under the Bougainville Constitution, three parliamentary seats were reserved to be contested exclusively by female candidates – electorates for North, South and Central Bougainville Districts.Three Bougainville parliamentary seats reserved for women candidates https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/153396/three-bougainville-parliamentary-seats-reserved-for-women-candidates 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 21 February 2005 25 candidates stood in these three electorates, while a further 28 stood in general electorates. Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency expected female candidates to be successful in the election due to the low number of patrilineal communities in Bougainville,Bougainville women tipped to get male backing in election on PNG island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154749/bougainville-women-tipped-to-get-male-backing-in-election-on-png-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 28 April 2005 and the significant contributions women had made to the peace process.Women tipped to win many seats in PNG's Bougainville election https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154727/women-tipped-to-win-many-seats-in-png's-bougainville-election 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 27 April 2005 Women's rights groups expected that female elected representatives would work for law changes around violence against women and the protection of children. These groups reported an increasing trend of sexual violence against children by male family members in Bougainville.Women in PNG's Bougainville province report more incest cases https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155005/women-in-png's-bougainville-province-report-more-incest-cases 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 11 May 2005 Theresa Jaindong, interim Health Minister and a candidate for the Central Bougainville Women's seat, called for government support to resettle those displaced by the conflict, including around 20,000 displaced people living in Arawa. She argued that the displacement had broken down family structures and needed to be resolved.Call for displaced Bougainvilleans to be resettled https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154981/call-for-displaced-bougainvilleans-to-be-resettled 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 10 May 2005 Francis Ona and the 'No Go Zone' The Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) agreed to the elections in the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. However, BRA founder Francis Ona rejected the Agreement, and split from the group. Ona declared the unrecognised Kingdom of Me'ekamui in the central region of the island that his forces controlled, which became known as the 'No Go Zone' as local authorities were unable to enter.Bougainville police head ponders No Go Zone election access https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155028/bougainville-police-head-ponders-no-go-zone-election-access 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 12 May 2005 In March, Ona agreed not to disrupt the election,Francis Ona vows no election disruption on PNG's Bougainville island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/153957/francis-ona-vows-no-election-disruption-on-png's-bougainville-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 18 March 2005 and the UN Observer Mission reported significant numbers among Ona's Me'ekamui Defence Force were willing to participate in the election.UN says Bougainville rebels want to take part in election https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154172/un-says-bougainville-rebels-want-to-take-part-in-election 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 31 March 2005 However, on 22 March Ona emerged from the No Go Zone for the first time in 16 years to make a speech to a crowd of about 150 people in Arawa, calling for Australia and Papua New Guinea to recognise the independence of Bougainville as Me'ekamui and leave the island. Australian and UN officials on the island acknowledged Ona's statement but refused to leave.Francis Ona repeats call for PNG, Australia to quit Bougainville https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154045/francis-ona-repeats-call-for-png,-australia-to-quit-bougainville 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 23 March 2005Australian police rejects demand by Francis Ona on PNG's Bougainville island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154065/australian-police-rejects-demand-by-francis-ona-on-png's-bougainville-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 24 March 2005 A week later Ona held a second rally to a crowd of 200, rejecting the legitimacy of the vote for an autonomous government on the grounds that Bougainville had already declared independence.Bougainville rebel leader reiterates independence call to 200 at Buka rally https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154113/bougainville-rebel-leader-reiterates-independence-call-to-200-at-buka-rally 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 29 March 2005 Governor John Momis criticised police for allowing Ona to hold the rallies, claiming that Ona's supporters had brought guns.Anger in Bougainville after claims that Ona supporters carried arms during rally in Buka https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154119/anger-in-bougainville-after-claims-that-ona-supporters-carried-arms-during-rally-in-buka 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 29 March 2005 Momis and Deputy Governor Gerard Sinato alleged that Australian nationals, described as 'two fugitives', were influencing Ona to disrupt the election and had accompanied him to the rallies. Momis and Sinato called for police to take stronger action to deport the Australians.Bougainville Governor calls for police to get tough and remove Australian fugitives from the island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154072/bougainville-governor-calls-for-police-to-get-tough-and-remove-australian-fugitives-from-the-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 24 March 2005Bougainville deputy governor alleges subversive actions by Australians https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154386/bougainville-deputy-governor-alleges-subversive-actions-by-australians 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 11 April 2005 Government figures raised concerns Ona's activities would disrupt the election,Concerns in Bougainville at impact on election of rallies by rebel leader Francis Ona https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154114/concerns-in-bougainville-at-impact-on-election-of-rallies-by-rebel-leader-francis-ona 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 29 March 2005 and Momis called a meeting of Bougainvillean leaders in response. Momis emphasised that public attitude in Bougainville was strongly against Ona's attempts to disrupt the election, and suggested arming former combatants that were supportive of the election to counteract Ona's forces.Bougainville leaders to meet to try and counter plans of Francis Ona to disrupt poll https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154130/bougainville-leaders-to-meet-to-try-and-counter-plans-of-francis-ona-to-disrupt-poll 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 30 March 2005Pacific30 Mar 2005 Bougainville leaders to meet amid anger at Ona stance on PNG island https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154150/bougainville-leaders-to-meet-amid-anger-at-ona-stance-on-png-island 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 30 March 2005 On 5 April chiefs representing the Leitana Council of Elders, John Momis and Joseph Kabui unanimously issued a call for Ona to join the peace process and rebuffing his rejection of the election.Another call in PNG for Ona to join Bougainville peace process https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/154266/anoter-call-in-png-for-ona-to-join-bougainville-peace-process 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 5 April 2005 Joseph Kabui met with former militants in the No Go Zone and claimed they had agreed to support the election, rather than supporting Ona's stance. The Me'ekamui Defence Forces eventually agreed to participate in the election, with people living in the No Go Zone enrolling to vote and Me'ekamui candidates contesting the election. Ona endorsed Joseph Kabui in the presidential election. Voting eventually took place peacefully and successfully in the No Go Zone around the Panguna mine area. Results President Joseph Kabui was elected as the first President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville ahead of second-place candidate John Momis with 20,000 votes.Kabui wins Bougainville election https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-06-04/kabui-wins-bougainville-election/1585522 11 August 2024 ABC 4 June 2005 The 14,000 vote margin was considered a "landslide",Bougainville President elect, Joseph Kabui, prepares for new role after landslide win in elections https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155468/bougainville-president-elect,-joseph-kabui,-prepares-for-new-role-after-landslide-win-in-elections 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 6 June 2005 with Momis at slightly under 30% of votes trailing Kabui's more than 60% of votes during the count.Bougainville's Joseph Kabui leads race for presidency of PNG province https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155422/bougainville's-joseph-kabui-leads-race-for-presidency-of-png-province 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 3 June 2005 During the election, Momis alleged that thousands of Bougainvilleans had been excluded from voting as their names were not on the electoral rolls, threatening to seek a legal injunction to stop the count. Election manager Mathias Pihei acknowledged that some had been excluded due to hasty composition of rolls, but argued the roll was still sufficient for the election. Ballot counting experienced delays due to technical difficulties.Official at election count in PNG's Bougainville reports fresh technical difficulties https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155417/official-at-election-count-in-png's-bougainville-reports-fresh-technical-difficulties 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 2 June 2005 Momis alleged major irregularities in the results, particularly in the Central and South Bougainville Districts.Legal challenge likely after election in PNG's Bougainville province https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155474/legal-challenge-likely-after-election-in-png's-bougainville-province 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 6 June 2005 Momis alleged that Kabui and Pihei had colluded to produce a fraudulent election result, and claimed the number of votes in several polling locations was greater than the number of eligible voters on the electoral roll.Defeated ex-governor says Bougainville election fraudulent https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155487/defeated-ex-governor-says-bougainville-election-fraudulent 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 6 June 2005 Kabui and Pihei denied these claims, saying Momis could not accept defeat graciously, with Kabui arguing that the alleged deception could not be carried out covertly in a tight-knit community such as Bougainville.Bougainville president-elect dismisses election fraud claim as sour grapes https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155499/bougainville-president-elect-dismisses-election-fraud-claim-as-sour-grapes 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 6 June 2005 The election was monitored by international observers including from New Zealand, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth of Nations, who considered it to be transparently and competently conducted.Marian Hobbs Marian Hobbs 5 June 2005 Bougainville election results applauded https://www.beehive.govt.nz/node/23289 Beehive.govt.nz 11 August 2024 Joseph Kabui Bougainville People's Congress 37928 John Momis New Bougainville Party 23861 James Tanis Bougainville Independence Movement 7596 3 Joel Banam Bartholomew Kigina The Age House of Representatives Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, 2005–2010 Alongside Kabui as president, the Bougainville People's Congress secured 14 further seats out of 40 in the Bougainville House of Representatives, and claimed to have the support of 20 further independents, with Kabui contemplating forming a super coalition.President elect of Bougainville considering setting up a super coalition https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155501/president-elect-of-bougainville-considering-setting-up-a-super-coalition 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 7 June 2005 Kabui was sworn in as the first President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville on 10 June, alongside vice president Joseph Watawi from Selau constituency and women's deputy Magdalene Toroansi from the Central Bougainville women's constituency. This caretaker Cabinet was sworn in in the former capital Arawa, so that rural people on the main island would be able to attend rather than travelling to Buka Island for the full governmental inauguration the next week.Joseph Kabui to be sworn in as first president of PNG's Bougainville https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/155589/joseph-kabui-to-be-sworn-in-as-first-president-of-png's-bougainville 12 August 2024 Radio New Zealand International 10 June 2005 Nick Peniai was appointed the Speaker of the House.Winners circle PNG Post-Courier 6 June 2005 Kabui declared president of PNG's Bougainville The National 6 June 2005 Momis leads in count PNG Post-Courier 31 May 2010 References Category:Elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Bougainville Bougainville