Support for Autonomous Bougainville Government elections
A Joint International Team is working with the Papua New Guinea and Autonomous Bougainville Governments (ABG) to support the 2015 Bougainville elections.
The ABG and PNG Government have expressed to international partners a strong desire to deliver free and fair elections to the people of Bougainville. In close consultation with the PNG Electoral Commission, the ABG has formally requested international technical assistance to assist with preparations and capacity building for the 2015 elections.
A joint international team of Australia and New Zealand technical election experts began deploying in early February 2015.
Ms Deborah Stokes, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, said “As part of a multi-national effort, Australia’s assistance will support efforts by the Bougainville Electoral Commission to undertake credible and transparent elections”
Mr Tony Fautua, New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, said “New Zealand recognises the challenges facing the ABG in undertaking this election and is pleased to respond positively to the request from the Bougainville Electoral Commission to help meet their commitment to holding a free and fair election.”
The international technical experts will work with Bougainville Electoral Commission staff in Buka, Arawa and Buin. The assistance will include training, election operations, the electoral roll database, logistics, procurement and voter awareness.
The joint international team will work in Bougainville for approximately four months, until the conclusion of the election period.