We are on our way," he said. Ask Amazon Alexa for the latest SBS News or listen to SBS Radio. After six weeks of campaigning and voting just shy of two weeks, the 440 candidates in this year's Bougainville election are now sitting around waiting for the count to begin. The referendum question was a choice between greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea and full independence; voters voted overwhelmingly (98.31%) for independence. This comes as PNG has now recorded over 200 cases of Covid-19 and 3 people have died. "We might even start a bit later, maybe the third or fourth because of the sorting out of misplaced voting papers. So that kind of resonated.". We love feedback: help us improve by rating the app and sharing your suggestions at apps@sbs.com.au. 141220TOROAMA ON BY- ELECTIONS NEW DAWN FM NEWS Bougainvilleans are being urged to vote responsibly during the Bougainville Regional Seat By-elections that is currently underway in Bougainville. Last Updated: Saturday, 21 May, 2005, ... Q&A: Bougainville election The Pacific island of Bougainville is voting for its first ever autonomous government. In diesem Referendum sollen die Einwohner der autonomen Region Bougainville in Papua-Neuguinea über ihre staatliche Unabhängigkeit abstimmen. 1 Article 70 and Amendment 10/2014, Bougainville Elections Act 2007 The general election was the first since Bougainville voted overwhelmingly for a separation from Papua New Guinea at the … He said rumours had been circulating unhappy candidates may not accept the results and there could be interference with the vote count. Bougainville cannot build new feeder roads until it is able to fix and sustain existing ones. 25 candidates contested the presidency, and it is impossible to say how it might go. "God will also unleash the strength for our countrymen to nation-build because that time has come. This assurance was given by the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Mr George Manu last week when giving updates on the preparations already undertaken towards the conduct of these elections. When I went out to campaign they were very happy to see me and they were telling me they were going to vote for me because I had worked with the people, I know their issues, I have been with them, I have spoken out for them, particularly to defend people's human rights. Download our free app on the App Store or Google Play for the latest headlines and breaking news alerts. The general election was the first since Bougainville voted overwhelmingly for a separation from PNG at the end of last year, with Mr Toroama defeating an open field, the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner said on Wednesday. Ishmael Toroama KEITH JACKSON MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE NOOSA – The nineteenth elimination count in the Bougainville presidential election was completed this afternoon with the candidate who has led throughout, Ishmael Toroama, maintaining a significant lead. Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander Ishmael Toroama was yesterday declared President-elect of Bougainville following the election process that began in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region six weeks ago. I think most people would have taken notice of that," he said. Watch SBS World News live daily at 6:30pm on TV and on our app. "Consultations will be over the 98.2 percent referendum result. v. t. e. A non-binding independence referendum was held in Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea, between 23 November and 7 December 2019. Discussion over how Bougainville would sustain its independence is likely to dominate independence negotiations, with one senior Bougainville politician estimating the transition could take 10 years, as the region would need to rebuild its institutions. “While we are yet to receive any funds for enrolment or polling, we are preparing ourselves and voters as best as we can,” Commissioner Manu said. "For me to be a stranger it is also a plus. The hope was that negotiations over the referendum outcome could be completed inside one year, after which the result would go to the PNG parliament for ratification. Former rebel military commander Ishmael Toroama has been elected president of Bougainville, an autonomous part of Papua New Guinea, electoral officials say, and is set to lead talks seeking independence. Having lived away from Bougainville for much of his adult life most people didn't know Maiha, but this may not have counted against him. During the election campaign, Mr Toroama said there was a time for war, a time for reconciliation and a time to build a new nation. 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. Bougainville’s need for economic development requires leadership that understands the economic situation in totality in order to provide the right leadership for economic development– mobile ATM approaches have limited impact over time. A former commander of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army has widened his lead in the progressive count for the presidential election in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region. Momis acknowledged that, but said the prime concern for most Bougainvilleans remained achieving self-determination. ABG President Ishmael Toroama made the statement during his Christmas message to the people of Bougainville. The 2020 presidential and parliamentary election was held in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville between 12 August and 1 September 2020. Bougainville election update. In the last month. Bougainville. “I am pleased to announce that the ROs and AROs for … Hakena, who ran the Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency for years, said she was confident she had all the backing she needed. Despite its resource limitations, OBEC has procured personal protective equipment for polling and counting staff. Tanis said he was hamstrung by a lack of resources to get around in the campaign but he was philosophical about the outcome. Momis said it was critical the process be concluded before the PNG national elections in 2022. Bougainville has a new president, former rebel leader Ishmael Toroama, who will lead talks for the island territory's independence from Papua New Guinea. NOOSA – Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) commander, Ishmael Toroama, was retaining his lead in the Bougainville presidential election after the 280th count this morning. Bougainville SOE Update: Orders issued for ABG Election Conduct August 10, 2020 The Bougainville Emergency Controller and Chief of Bougainville Police Service, Francis Tokura, has issued Emergency Order #7 for the Conduct of the 2020 Autonomous Bougainville Government Election. He too was quietly confident, but he had a Plan B just in case. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades. As far as she's concerned the Northern Women's seat is hers. Article Views : 0. May 22, 2020. Updated Updated 23/09/2020 Share Former rebel military commander Ishmael Toroama has been elected president of Bougainville, an autonomous part of Papua New Guinea, electoral … February 11, 2020. Plans to reopen the mine, which could help fund an independent Bougainville, have stalled due to competing claims over development rights over the long-shuttered Panguna mine. Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander, Ishmael Toroama, is starting to build a substantial lead after count 206 in the presidential vote. Live democratic and republican delegate counts, caucuses and primary results by state. The Bougainville Election Schedule was also announced today as follows: Nominations open: 18 June 2020 Nominations close: 23 June 2020 Polling starts: 12 August 2020 Polling ends: 01 September 2020 Counting starts: 02 September 2020 Counting ends: 14 September 2020 … Bougainville 2015 Election update: Voting near completion as counting gets underway. Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. Voting ended early this week and counting is due to start on 2 September, but could be a day or two later. The mine on Bougainville had one of the world's largest deposits of copper, and was the economic engine of PNG, when Conzinc Riotinto of Australia Ltd, a forerunner of Rio Tinto, was forced to abandon it due to the unrest. ", Photo: Central Bougainville Electorate Updates & Development. He said this would need to be sorted before the count. 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Catch up on SBS On Demand. Share the News. Mineral-rich Bougainville island has been hampered by years of little economic progress following a decade-long civil war that claimed as many as 20,000 lives before ending in 1998. If this guy with all this international exposure could be the one that is going to come and help us. Independence option wins in Bougainville referendum Three weeks ago we reported on Bougainville's independence referendum - a non-binding vote on whether to split from Papua New Guinea and become a separate country. Voting ended early this week and counting is due to start on 2 September, but could be a day or two later. "There have definitely been misplaced voting papers - ROs [Returning Officers] and presiding officers have advised me of that. President Momis said past elections were about forming a government to make developments happen and bring services to the people in the region. Tanis also promised to look out for the other 24 if he was the successful one. The new government will negotiate the outcome of the 2019 Bougainvillean … "I went on air recently to call up on everybody - it's in the best interests of an emerging nation such as ours to maintain the rule of law.". Bougainville, with a population of around 250,000 and now reliant on financial support from the PNG capital, has since fallen to the bottom of almost every financial indicator, despite boasting mineral riches, fertile volcanic soil and stunning geography. After count 25 from ballot boxes from the Baba Constituency he leads with 4730 votes, trailing behind him is former president James Tanis with 3487 votes and Fr Simon Dumarinu 1833 votes Photo: supplied, Central Bougainville Electorate Updates & Development, Marshall Islands fisheries revenue expected to drop 20 percent, Rogue yacht looking for fruit ordered to leave Niue, RNZ Pacific Xmas: 'A tribe without its chief', Number of people joining gangs increased by at least 13% this year, police data shows, Brexit: EU diplomats briefed on Brexit trade deal, Holiday commuters warned of congestion hot spots, Explosion in Nashville 'intentional act', police say, RNZ's pick of best New Zealand pictures of 2020. Latest News; Latest News . Choose date and time: × In the last 7 days. Speaking at a media conference this afternoon, Mr Manu says with the current counting phase, there is insufficient time to complete the scrutiny and counting process as per the initial election schedule. But the president said the great majority in Bougainville was law abiding. by Lucy Kopana 07/08/2020 0 1013. The Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu has assured the people of Bougainville that the preparations of the 2020 ABG elections are underway. The election ran from August 12 to September 1, and the ballot counting is now set to conclude on September 24. (This is the Press statement from the commissioner). "The leaders, the women leaders, the church leaders, the chiefs. After six weeks of campaigning and voting just shy of two weeks, the 440 candidates in this year's Bougainville election are now sitting around waiting for the count to begin. Get the latest news coverage, live stream video, and photos on the 2020 Presidential Election. With counting of the northern votes happening through the weekend, Toroama has established a buffer of more than 2200 votes over second placed Father Simon Dumarinu. Apart from services and so forth, people want to, once and for all, sort out this matter of self-determination.". Share 0. "People are determined that straight after the declaration of the new government consultations will take place, consultations between the national government and the ABG. Bougainville just waiting for Marape's call on JSB Radio New Zealand 01:21 19-Dec-20. Voters across Bougainville start heading to polling stations today [Wednesday August 12th] as a critical regional election gets underway. Das Unabhängigkeitsreferendum wurde erst nach langen Verhandlungen von der Zentralregierung genehmigt. The Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu, has announced the appointments of returning officers (ROs) and assistant returning officers (AROs) for the 2020 Bougainville general election. Autonomous Region of Bougainville Bougainville General Elections 2020. THE Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) is set and ready to conduct the by-elections for three vacant constituency seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives. THE Government has allocated K8million for the Bougainville regional seat by-election with the writ issued by Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae yesterday. So that message that I was not supposed to be there was an eye opener for them [the voters] too. Bougainville is now in the middle of yet another period of voting: this time for the next Autonomous Bougainville Government, including the position of president. Updated . Acting Electoral Commissioner to Bougainville Mr George Manu speaks at the media conference held today Wednesday May 20, 2015. The poll is being seen as a test for a UN-brokered peace deal, which ended over a decade of separatist fighting. The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commission registered 222,333 voters and 446 candidates for the election. After two weeks of voting, the results are finally in: More than 98% of Bougainvilleans have voted in favor of independence. THE 2020 Bougainville’s General Election is unique unlike past elections because it is about Bougainville making a bold decision to become free says Honorable President Grand Chief Dr. John Momis. The outcome of the poll is no worry for first time candidate Helen Hakena. The conflict was largely fought over how the profits from the lucrative Panguna gold and copper mine on Bougainville should be shared and the environmental damage it had caused. Diese Entscheidung basiert auf dem Bougainville Peace Agreement (Bougainville-Friedensabkommen), welches bis spätestens Mitte 2020 ein solches Referendum vorsieht. The guidelines cover the voter roll update, nominations, polling and counting and are in line with the orders issued by the state of emergency controller. "I am a peace builder and if I don't get into the position of the president I will find some way to make myself useful in the peace process.". Mr Toroama was a commander in the secessionist Bougainville Revolutionary Army, and later worked on the peace and disarmament process. It was a different case for James Tanis, who had been president before from 2008 to 2010. Bougainville government wants Arawa assets returned Radio New Zealand 04:12 17-Dec-20. Bougainville's retiring President, John Momis, called for the maintenance of law and order amid concerns unsuccessful election candidates would cause disruption. There had been an expectation, with the vote finishing inside two weeks despite three weeks being set aside for the process, that counting would start sooner. Counting for the Bougainville Presidential seat is progressing well with only six candidates left in the race. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. A series of significant mineral finds in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have highlighted the role exports are set to play in the nation’s economic future. by EMTV Online 21/06/2012 204. But the Electoral Commissioner George Manu said his legal advice was that starting the count before the prescribed time amounted to tampering, so he won't be allowing it. Bougainville Transition Dialogues 2020 Update By Serge Loode June 1, 2020 No Comments The year of 2020 has seen global changes through the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Update on the Bougainville Independence Process As we discussed in our Bougainville referendum explainer article last year, a YES vote in the referendum was never intended to result in immediate independence. "I look forward to working with president-elect Toroama in progressing consultations on the outcome of the recent referendum and securing long-term economic development and a lasting peace for the people of Bougainville," Mr Marape said. The vote also starts just days after Bougainville registered its first confirmed Covid-19 case when a young student flew into Buka from the mainland.. The Bougainville presidential election has a number of moving parts that if not approached carefully have the potential to once again destabilize the island, and the wider Melanesian region. N BOUGAINVILLE Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu, today announced an extension in the counting period for the 2020 Bougainville General Elections. Bougainville Presidential Election Updates : Toroama clears lead 9/20/2020 Bougainville News, Headlines, PNG News. Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander Ishmael Toroama has take the lead as counting for the Bougainville general elections pick momentum. One of the candidates, another first timer, is the former head of the Papua New Guinea Weather Service, Sam Maiha. Source: YouTube, PNG PM tells Bougainville residents 'hard work' ahead after independence vote. Follow SBS News to join in the conversation and never miss the latest live updates. Please select the editions you would like to sign up to. Ishmael Toroama has been elected Bougainville's new president. [4] Papua-Neuguinea sagte zu, den Ausgang des Referendums zu akzeptieren,[5] … In the election the people had a series of votes to make - for president, women's and former combatants, and for the open seats - and Manu said the word from returning officers was that some of the voting papers had ended up in the wrong boxes. 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