Note: The general election was originally scheduled for 4 September, but on 2 September, the Commission announced it would be delayed by one day, until 5 September 2025. 

At Stake in this Election:  

• 44 of 45 seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives 

Government Structure: 

• Chief of State: President Ishmael TOROAMA (since 29 Sep 2020)  

• Head of Government: President Ishmael TOROAMA (since 29 Sep 2020) 

• Assembly: Unicameral Legislature with a 45 seat House of Representatives.  

Electoral System: 

•  The President is directly elected by ranked choice vote for a once renewable 5-year term.  

New/Unique in this Election: 

In 2019, Bougainville voters approved an independence referendum, with 98.3% of valid cast votes supporting the measure. Bougainville President TOROAMA has set 2027 as the deadline for ratification by the Papua New Guinea government.  

Key Deadlines: 

• Candidate filing deadline: 10 Jul 2025 

• Voter registration deadline: 7 Jul 2025 

Main Parties in this Election:  

• Bougainville People’s Alliance Party 

• New Bougainville Party 

• Bougainville United Front Party 

• Bougainville People’s Congress Party 

Population and Registered Voters: 

• Population: 249,358 (2011) 

• Registered Voters: 238,625 (2025) 

Gender Data: 

• Female Population: Not available.  

• CEDAW Status: Ratified by Papau New Guinea in 1995 and binding on Bougainville through provisions in the 2001 Peace Agreement

• Gender Quota: Yes, 3 seats in the House of Representatives are reserved for women.  

• Female Candidates in this election: Yes 

• Human Development Index (HDI) Position: Not available. 

• Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: Not available.  

Disability Data: 

• CRPD Status: Not applicable.  

• Projected population with a disability: 39,897 (2011 est.) 

IFES Resources: 

• Election FAQ: Yes