Faith leaders across Bougainville have partnered with the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) to champion electoral integrity and foster peaceful participation in this year's Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) general election, led by the Bougainville Council of Churches Association (BCCA).
Twenty-six prominent faith leaders and members of the BCCA participated in a workshop on Information Integrity and Media Literacy. The training was facilitated through the Advancing Democracy in Bougainville (ADiB) program, implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand.
The participants gained critical knowledge and practical tools, empowering them to disseminate accurate electoral information effectively across communities in Bougainville.
This workshop marks the first time the faith community and OBEC have formally collaborated to advance electoral education and information integrity.
The workshop enabled participants to identify several opportunities for partnership and collaboration between the faith-based leaders and OBEC.
The faith leaders will now play a direct role in supporting election awareness and disseminating accurate election information.
United Church Bishop Abraham Toroi affirmed the BCCA's commitment to electoral integrity saying, “The BCCA is looking forward to supporting OBEC, countering electoral misinformation, and encouraging all eligible Bougainvillean voters to participate and vote in this year’s elections.”
The governments of Australia and New Zealand are committed to supporting Bougainville in achieving a peaceful and successful 2025 election. Their support through the ADiB program enables OBEC to deliver credible, transparent, and inclusive elections.
Members of the BCCA at the Information Integrity and Media Literacy workshop.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100