The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) commends the people of Bougainville for their turnout yesterday during the polling, which was a proud reflection of Bougainville’s commitment to democracy. Polling was conducted peacefully across Bougainville on Friday 5th September, following polling in Atolls Constituency on Thursday, 4 September 2025. Early reports indicated that voter turnout was good, with large numbers of Bougainvilleans coming out to cast their votes. OBEC acknowledges that some voters faced long waits, particularly in polling places serving Bougainvilleans in Bougainville but away from their constituencies, such as in Buka, and that others were disappointed as their names were not found on the rolls. These experiences are valid, and OBEC takes them seriously, highlighting that all feedback from voters, observers, and stakeholders will be considered as part of the post-election review processes. “The long queues we saw in some places were a challenge, but they are also a reflection of something we should celebrate -- Bougainvillea’s’ commitment to democracy and their determination to make their voices heard,” the Electoral Commissioner said. To ensure every eligible voter has the chance to participate, OBEC has allowed polling for some polling teams to be extended to today Saturday 6th September to allow anyone who was in the queue at 1600 BST on 5 September but who was unable to cast their vote to return to their polling place and cast their vote today. These decisions were based on assessments made by the Assistant Returning Officers, Returning Officers and the Commissioner, considering factors such as late openings and limited availability of resources that would have allowed polling to continue into the night, such as electricity and security arrangements. This extension is part of OBEC’s commitment to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. “High turnout is a strength of our democracy.” “Listening to voters and learning from their experiences will help us build an even better electoral process for the future,” said Electoral Commissioner. OBEC thanks voters, officials, and partners for their patience, cooperation, and dedication to strengthening Bougainville’s democracy