Former two-term MP and State Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, has made a triumphant return to national politics, reclaiming the Central Bougainville Open Seat as an Independent candidate. Miringtoro’s victory follows a highly contested by-election held after the passing of the late Simon Dumarinu, the Social Democratic Party MP last year. Despite having several strong contenders in the by-election, Miringtoro was favored, given his past legacy as one of the top-performing MP with a strong record in service delivery during his previous terms. He was officially declared MP-elect at 10:00 am yesterday, Sunday 15th June 2025 by Returning Officer Justine Pantumari at Tupukas Primary School, after securing 7,868 votes in the 11th exclusion, surpassing the absolute majority of 7,643. Counting was stopped during the 11th exclusion as Miringtoro crossed the majority threshold, with one more exclusion remaining. His closest challenger, Pangu Party candidate Lohial Nuau, came second with 4,168 votes, while independent candidate Flynn Naunsi Detou finished third with 3,249 votes among a field of 14 candidates. Miringtoro’s return is seen by many in Central Bougainville as a restoration of strong and experienced leadership, with expectations high for renewed development and progress in the region.