By Tupukas Aunge

The ABG elections are approaching in June of 2015, in the Autonomous Region preparations are going well ahead by those in power and those intending. Here are some early premonitions of what to expect come June 2015.

On Friday the 31^st October, ABG President Chief Dr. John Momis launched his political party in Arawa. New Bougainville Party, with current president at its fore will be seen as the party to beat going into the elections in June 2015.

Word has it that the president’s wife, Elizabeth is also embarking on the same track as her counterpart. She intends to launch her own political party soon. This will be interesting, and the intent and plan for two political factions from the same household will be something worth the interest.

The former BRA General Sam Kaouna is also intending to stand for president. The ever smiling general is now serious to bring Bougainville back on track after what he implied of the current president’s interference in Bougainville’s road to independence by bringing back the so called ‘better devil’ Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) into Bougainville. 

Also, former ABG president James Tanis is eyeing his old post. Currently he is the manager of the proposed Panguna Program.

Interestingly, according to reliable sources, PNG parliament member and Governor for Bougainville, Hon. Joe Lera has been urged by his people to run for ABG Presidency. Mr. Lera, though a soft-spoken man, is seen as a liberator, for his deeds always match his words.

However Mr. Lera may not have any intention of running for presidency, but because of his ability to deliver, many people want him president of ABG. Given the current state of affairs, and the legal implications bounded, it is most likely the Hon. Governor will not compete in the ABG elections. Nevertheless people would prefer an action oriented man like Joe Lera in ABG.

Another big gun is former governor Fidelis Semoso. He is vying for the president’s post. Rumor has it that Dr. Momis has asked Mr. Semoso to stand down from contesting the presidency and run for his constituency Chitalato, North Bougainville. The guarantee for Semoso (if he wins) is the vice president seat. Well, that is if both men win. However, that is if he accepts Momis’ deal and runs for Chitalato.

Preparations for the elections have surely heated up though June seems many months away. However, people who follow politics surely know how important this is to individuals who track this trend. For Bougainville, this will be a major draw card and the spoils of victory is five years of determination of Bougainville’s future.

However, what is truly important in this coming ABG election is, those individuals who will get in, are the ones who will determine the autonomous region’s next phase, and this will be the most important in Bougainville’s history. Therefore it is imperative to scrutinize candidates well, look at their intentions and what they are capable, as well as their history and experiences. It is well overtime now for leaders to act on Bougainville’s future and not just politicize about it.