None
CA
‘We want legitimate leaders’: Bougainvilleans head to the polls amid push for independence
['Apr Editor', 'Sri Krishnamurthi', 'Pacific Media Watch', 'Camille Nakhid', 'Duty Editor Of The Asia Pacific Report Evening Report Collaboration Feedback']
Asia Pacific Report
By Margot Staunton, RNZ Pacific senior journalistBougainvilleans went to the polls today, keen to elect a leader who will continue their fight for independence.
“It is important that this election is successful and credible, because we want legitimate leaders in the government, who will continue discussions with Papua New Guinea over independence,” he said.
He is adamant Bougainville could achieve a one-day poll, despite the election being rescheduled at the last minute.
Polling pushed backPolling was scheduled to begin on Thursday but was pushed back a day to allow time to dispatch ballot papers.
Counting will take place on September 9-21, and writs will be returned to the Speaker of the House the following day.
['polls'
'amid'
'electoral'
'ballot'
'continue'
'rnz'
'push'
'leaders'
'bougainville'
'polling'
'voters'
'ensure'
'election'
'legitimate'
'autonomous'
'head'
'bougainvilleans'
'independence']