4 Jun 2010

Sitting politicians routed in Bougainville vote

1:05 pm on 4 June 2010

The former governor of the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, John Momis, has a 15,000-vote lead over his nearest challenger, James Tanis, for the presidency of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

New Dawn FM radio on Bougainville reports that 27 seats in the 41 seat assembly have now been declared with 20 taken by newcomers.

Only two of the outgoing cabinet, the Primary Industries Minister, Dominic Itta, and the Works Minister, Patrick Nisira, have retained their seats.

In addition the incumbent President, Mr Tanis, seems set to lose to Mr Momis, who was governor before the formation of the ABG.