Bougainville's Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai says the delayed vote counting process for the region's general election is now complete. Photo: Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner - OBEC
All votes from Bougainville's election have now been counted, and all winning candidates have been declared, Bougainville's Electoral Commissioner says.
Desmond Tsianai said he was pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 Bougainville general election, with all 45 seats now officially declared.
Voters in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region 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.
"With the declaration of all 45 seats, we bring this electoral process to a close with gratitude, humility, and confidence in the will of the people," Tsianai said.
The counting of ballots started late due to logistical issues, eventually leading to the Electoral Office extending the return of writs deadline of 22 September to 6 October.
The Commission will return the writs to the Speaker of the House on 6 October and then initiate post-election reviews to further improve future electoral processes.
"If there are any candidates or voters who may wish to dispute the results of the election, please note that you may still submit a petition to the Courts within one month of the declaration of the election," Commissioner Tsianai said.
"To the people of Bougainville. Your voice has been heard. Your vote has shaped the leadership that will carry us forward."
"To the newly elected representatives. The responsibility now rests with you to serve with integrity and commitment to all Bougainvilleans."
The commissioner acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the elections across the region.
"This election has been a powerful expression of democratic choice. I commend the people of Bougainville for turning out in numbers, for respecting the process, and for contributing to the peaceful environment that made this election possible."
