BOUGAINVILLE POLLING RESCHEDULED
Picture Caption: Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Desmond Tsianai
THE Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) announces that polling in Bougainville will be rescheduled to tomorrow the 5th of September 2025.
This is to allow for the ballot papers to be dispatched to all parts of Bougainville in time for the one-day polling tomorrow.
All stakeholders are asked to take note of this date change as the revised polling date affects all voters, both inside Bougainville and outside Bougainville, with the exception of Atolls constituency which will proceed today, Thursday 4th September.
Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Desmond Tsianai said the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to better serve Bougainvilleans and to ensure the proper conduct of the election.
Commissioner Tsianai says, the Ballot papers were printed in Port Moresby, but the printing was unable to be completed, delaying the delivery of ballots papers according to dates specified in the contract.
In addition, some quality control issues were identified with respect to serial numbers, which are an important safeguard against fraud. OBEC therefore took measures to ensure that these issues were rectified so that electoral integrity is assured.
The final shipment of ballot papers, which was scheduled for delivery on 23 August, finally arrived on 2 September. Unfortunately, this did not allow enough time for packing and distribution to allow polling to take place on 4 September 2025.
Voters will still vote at the polling place for their ward and there are no further changes to polling places, the only change is the date.
“Every eligible voter should have the opportunity to cast their ballots. Rescheduling polling at this stage is the most responsible decision to ensure that all ballot papers are delivered securely so that all Bougainvilleans can vote on the same day. This step protects the rights of voters and upholds the integrity of the election,” Commissioner Tsianai said.
As per the Writs, the polling period for these elections is from 2 to 8 September. OBEC has discretion to select any date within this period based on election planning. Rescheduling allows sufficient time to resolve ballot delivery delays and to ensure that polling teams are ready to serve voters.
The Commissioner emphasised that this reschedule was made in the interest of voters, candidates, and stakeholders, and to prevent any risk of disenfranchisement.
“We remain fully committed to delivering a credible election. I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all Bougainvilleans and electoral stakeholders as we take this necessary step to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballots,” Commissioner Tsianai said.
The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner apologises for any inconvenience this may have caused and thanks voters, candidates, and electoral stakeholders for their patience and continued trust.
OBEC also thanks the election officials and polling teams for their commitment to delivering this election.
OBEC will continue to provide regular updates to voters, candidates, and stakeholders to maintain transparency and confidence in the electoral process.
