Bougainville: Election-related violence likely to be minimal as election day announced

On 31 July, the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, Desmond Tsianai, announced 4 September 2025 as the date for this year’s parliamentary and presidential elections. Tsianai also stated that the election will be held over one day only. He noted that preparations are underway to ensure transparency and minimise election-related issues during the voting and counting periods, including the establishment of 540 polling stations. Out-of-constituency polling stations will be opened to non-resident Bougainvilleans in Papua New Guinea. He expressed confidence in the one-day polling model, noting the success of past by-elections held in a single day.

Assessment: Violence is unlikely to occur during the election period, as politicians and citizens are expected to demonstrate their readiness and responsibility in the pursuit of independence. The period from 9 to 21 September has been allocated for counting ballots, after which declarations of results are likely to be made from 22 September. Ballot counting will be distributed among three regional centres in Buin, Arawa and Buka. Currently, no information on international observers has been noted, however, the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commission (OBEC) expects to receive some from Papua New Guinea.

Sources: Don Wiseman, “Bougainville's election challenge: one day of polling on 4 September,” RNZ, August 1, 2025.