The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) has officially announced the successful conclusion of the 2025 Bougainville General Election, with all 45 parliamentary seats declared. During a media conference held in Buka, Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai shared the essential updates, confirming that the final count has been completed and all winning candidates have been announced.
“This day marks a proud moment for Bougainville,” Tsianai stated, expressing gratitude and confidence in the electoral process. He highlighted the peaceful conduct of the elections throughout the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and thanked all stakeholders—voters, candidates, polling officials, security personnel, and media—for their roles in promoting transparency and credibility in the elections.
Tsianai noted that the elections represented a significant expression of democratic choice, commending the people of Bougainville for their active participation and respect for the electoral process. He stressed, “Your voice has been heard. Your vote has shaped the leadership that will carry us forward,” directing this message to both the electorate and newly elected representatives.
For those who may wish to contest the election results, Tsianai reminded that petitions can be submitted to the Courts within one month of the election declaration, reinforcing the importance of upholding individuals’ rights within the democratic framework.
In addition to the peaceful election atmosphere, the Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of partners, including the Bougainville Police Service and community leaders, in ensuring a fair electoral process. He reaffirmed OBEC’s commitment to fostering transparent and inclusive electoral practices in the future.
As part of the election outcomes, Delourdes Motsi Semoso has been declared the newly elected Member for the North Bougainville Women’s Regional Seat after securing an impressive 33,915 votes, well above the required majority of 27,863.
This electoral cycle not only highlights the continued commitment to democratic values within Bougainville but also represents an important step forward in the region’s quest for greater autonomy and self-determination, especially following significant events such as the 2019 vote for independence. The results of this election might pave the way for stronger governance and deeper political engagement as Bougainville moves ahead on its path towards independence.
Following the election process, the Bougainville Electoral Commission is set to return the writs to the Speaker of the House on Monday, October 6, 2025, and will initiate post-election reviews aimed at refining future electoral processes. This commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates a strong dedication to democratic principles and the importance of citizen involvement in governance.