Bougainville: President Ishmael Toroama to leverage full control of cabinet to advance independence agenda

On 26 September, Ishmael Toroama retained Bougainville’s presidency with 90,433 votes in the recent general elections. President Toroama defeated Joe Lera, a former Bougainville representative in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) parliament, to secure another five-year term. President Toroama expressed gratitude to Bougainvilleans, noting that his victory indicates continued support for independence from PNG. He disclosed that for a focused independence roadmap, only members of his Bougainville People’s Alliance Party will be given ministerial positions in the 5th House of Representatives. He is expected to form a caretaker government by 6 October 2025, followed by an inauguration in the same week. 

Assessment: President Toroama’s decision to restrict cabinet and ministerial appointments to his party members is likely an effort to consolidate power and advance his approach to independence. Ongoing public consultation on specific issues will still take place, but opposition from within his government is unlikely leading up to 2027.

Sources: “Ishmael Toroama secures second term as Bougainville president after strong election win,” RNZ, September 29, 2025; Steven Busin, “Toroama’s victory call for independence,” Post Courier, October 1, 2025; Jesher Tilto, “Incumbent Bougainville president Ishmael Toroama retains seat with landslide victory,” The National, September 26, 2025.