Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama announced the caretaker Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) following a formal swearing-in ceremony presided over by Resident Judge Peter Toliken in Buka on Monday, 6 October 2025. Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government
Bougainville's re-elected President Ishmael Toroama has announced a caretaker government following a formal swearing-in ceremony on Monday in the capital Buka.
The former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) commander won more than 90,000 votes in a landslide victory after the election on 5-6 September.
The interim Bougainville Executive Council (BEC) will consist of the President, the Vice President Ezekiel Masatt and
the Member of Parliament for Atolls Amanda Masono.
In his address, Toroama said the occasion marked an important step in Bougainville's democratic process, signifying a time of transition, continuity and renewed commitment, according to a statement on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Facebook page.
"During this caretaker period, our priority is to safeguard good governance and maintain the trust and confidence of our people," Toroama said.
The interim BEC will oversee government operations until the full Cabinet of the Bougainville Executive Council is formed.
The president will choose four cabinet ministers, while the remaining 10 will be selected by regional committees.
However, Toroama will assign portfolios to each of them.
This will take place after the swearing-in of the 5th Bougainville House of Representatives on Friday, 10 October.
Toroama added that Bougainvilleans had expressed concern over the conduct of some losing candidates, saying their actions undermine Bougainville's democratic values.
"It is disappointing that several have chosen to express their dissatisfaction in premature and disorderly ways. Such conduct mocks the democratic values enshrined in the Bougainville Constitution and insults the people of Bougainville, who have spoken with unity and purpose through the ballot box," he said.
"The people have made their choice, they have elected leaders whom they trust to guide Bougainville through the next phase of our political journey, particularly toward our aspiration for independence.
"Leadership is not about personal ambition. It is about service, humility, and accountability to the people who have placed their faith in us."
He also called on elected representatives to unite as Bougainville enters a new political chapter.
"Let us set aside personal differences and work together for the greater good of Bougainville. Our people deserve leadership that is mature, united, and focused on building a future that is peaceful, prosperous, and independent.
"The strength of our democracy lies not in how we win elections, but in how we respect their outcomes and continue to serve our people with humility and purpose," he wrote.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commission (OBEC) returned the writs for 45 seats on Monday.
Electoral commissioner Desmond Tsianai handed them to the outgoing Speaker Simon Pentanu, marking the end of the electoral process.
The writs included the presidency, 38-single-member constituencies and six reserved regional seats for women and former combatants.
Tsianai said the democratic spirit of the people of Bougainville was a testament to their unity and resilience.
"To every voter who stood in line with patience, dignity, and determination, we say thank you. You have proven once again that the heart of Bougainville beats strong with a belief in peaceful democratic choice and representation," said.
"We recorded a total of 408 candidates, including a growing and welcome number of women candidates. Some 21 women contested constituency seats, up from 14 in 2020."
The presidential race featured seven candidates, reflecting a vibrant and competitive democratic environment, he said.
He said the final electoral role included 238,625 registered voters, the most inclusive and comprehensive roll in the history of the autonomous region.
Notably, he added, 14.3 percent of enrolled voters were aged 18 to 24, a significant increase from 8.9 percent in 2020.
"This shows that our youth are claiming their place in shaping Bougainville's future. Our systems of verification, oversight, and accountability were tested and they held firm."
Officials will now begin their post-election review, listening to lessons from this election, to improve the next.
