by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
Chief, Dr John Lawrence Momis, has retained his seat as president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Momis was declared winner this morning, after defeating eight other candidates.
Returning Officer, John Itano, made the declarations at the Hutjena Counting Centre, in Buka.
Momis finished on top with 51,382 after maintaining his lead since day one of the presidential counting.
Runner up was Ismael Toroama with 18,466; Sam Kauona with 14, 96; Sam Akoitai with 11,523 and Rueben Siara with 5,862.
Those eliminated earlier on the race were Nick Peniai, Simon Dumarinu, John Pokata Kira and Peter Nerau.
During the completion of the primary counts saw Momis receiving 48, 826 votes while runner-up Ismael Toroama collected 16, 077 votes. Trailing third was Sam Kauona with 12, 383 votes while Sam Akoitai collected 9443 votes to maintain his fourth placing.
The absolute majority after the completion of the primary counts stood at 51, 302 votes, with Momis needing collect only 2,476 votes in the exclusive process to claim the presidency seat.
Mr Momis continued receiving more votes during the exclusive process, thus surpassing the 51, 100 absolute majority mark in the fourth exclusive process resulting in his declaration.
In his speech, Momis acknowledged those who mandated him as leader for the third Bougainville House of Representatives saying, this shows people’s commitments towards democratic principles, values and the long-term vision for Bougainville.
The president-elect also commended the Bougainville Electoral Commission for conducting a peaceful election.