310510 NEW LEADERS TAKE OVER
By Tom Kathoa

It now most certain that the Second Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) after this election would be run by new members.

This is evident by the number of new faces who have already been declared since counting of votes began one week ago.

Out of the twenty constituencies declared fifteen have gone to new members.

Included in the loosing candidates are three ABG Government Ministers, Michael Otoroa minister for Education and member for Lato, Health Minister and Member for Atolls, Hon Taihu Pais and the Minister for Local Level Government (LLG) Hon Jonathan Ngati.

Hon Jonathan Ngati was defeated by Albert Pungau for the Motuna/Huiono Constituency; Education Minister Hon Michael Otoroa was defeated by William Lababua while the Health Minister Taihu Pais lost the Atolls seat to businessman, Frank Pasini Marena.

Counting is still continuing in the North, South and Central Regions.

In the Central region election officials are now counting ballot boxes for the Ioro Constituency and it is expected that counting in this region would be completed by the middle of this week.

Election officials engaged in the Central region would be moved to Buka once they complete counting there.

Meanwhile, it has been generally quiet over-all since the election began with the issue writs, polling and now counting.

Election observers, police and other leaders have praised the people of Bougainville for the smooth conduct of the election.

A trouble free election is a sign that the people are mature and are capable of running and managing such an important on their own.

One of Papua New Guinea’s Statesmen, Sir John Kaputin commended the people for the smooth election saying Bougainville needed qualified and experienced leaders to lead the region.

Sir John said it is important for the people of Bougainville to elect experienced and honest leaders to lead the region in preparation for referendum and independence.
He said this election is very important for the people and future of the region.

Ends.