As the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) election officially kicks off, a notable political development has emerged — the United Bougainville Front (UBF) has announced that it will not field a candidate for the presidency in this election. Instead, the party has pledged its full support for the re-election of incumbent President Ishmael Toroama.
The announcement was made on July 8 through an official statement by UBF founder and Bougainville Regional Member of Parliament, Peter L. Tsiamalili. He emphasized that Bougainville is currently at a critical transitional stage on its path toward potential independence, and that “continuity and stability in political leadership” are essential for the region’s future. Toroama, he said, is the right leader to guide the people through this defining period.
“President Toroama’s leadership has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the people’s aspirations for sovereignty and dignity,” Tsiamalili stated. “His vision for Bougainville aligns closely with our party’s goal of achieving a sovereign, self-reliant Bougainville.”
The UBF gave particular praise to Toroama’s “Six-Point Development Strategy,” noting that it has strengthened local governance, economic planning, and community participation — forming a vital foundation for policy continuity and social order in a time of uncertainty.
The party stressed that a change in leadership at this stage could disrupt the broader strategic rhythm of Bougainville’s push for full autonomy and future negotiations.
While the party will not contest the presidential seat, UBF stated it will focus its efforts on nominating candidates across various constituencies to win grassroots parliamentary seats.
Tsiamalili emphasized the party’s commitment to “cultivating a new generation of community-rooted representatives who serve the people and resolutely advance the independence agenda at all levels.”
He further noted, “This election is not merely a routine political exercise — it marks a crucial turning point in Bougainville’s destiny.” He called on all citizens to remain united, reject division and pessimism, and move forward with determination on the path toward full self-determination.
Since assuming office in 2020, President Toroama has been a central figure in Bougainville’s independence movement. He oversaw the successful 2019 independence referendum — which received overwhelming public support — and has since led negotiations with the Papua New Guinea government to steadily advance the region’s autonomy.
UBF’s public endorsement of Toroama not only adds significant political momentum to his re-election campaign but also provides firm backing for the continuity of Bougainville’s political agenda.
In his concluding remarks, Tsiamalili issued a call to all Bougainvilleans: “Let us face this uncertain yet honorable journey together — with resolve and unity — to leave our children and grandchildren a strong, stable, and dignified Bougainville.”
According to official schedules, following the issuance of the writs, the nomination period opened on July 8 and will run for three days, closing on Thursday, July 10.
Campaigning and voting will follow in due course, marking a new chapter in Bougainville’s political life.
Analysts note that as a region with significant autonomy within Papua New Guinea, this election not only reflects the state of local governance but also serves as a vital indicator of Bougainville’s future political direction. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for subsequent negotiations and arrangements regarding full independence from the national government.
Given the region’s still-fragile peace and stability, the international community is closely watching whether Bougainville can demonstrate mature governance and strong social cohesion through this election. Many hope this vote will serve as a unifying force and a catalyst for development — injecting greater stability into this strategically important part of the South Pacific.
