Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Momis victory

By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

 

FORMER Catholic priest, national politician and ambassador John Momis has won the Bougainville presidential election by an overwhelming majority, The National reports.

Momis polled 43,047 votes, or 52.35% of the total votes cast in the second Autonomous Region of Bougainville general election.

Incumbent James Tanis could only muster 17,205 votes.

The declaration was made yesterday at the Hutjena counting centre in Buka by the regional returning officer George Tarala.

Mothers and children were seen celebrating openly when the declaration was heard on NBC Bougainville at 2.30pm yesterday.

Momis was escorted by police to the counting for the declaration and signing of the writs.

He was met and welcomed by Tanis at the counting centre.

Momis was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, to witness the signing of the writs which will be returned tomorrow.

He told a packed crowd that his win was for the people of Bougainville.

While expressing his gratitude to the outgoing president, Momis promised to continue the work done by the previous government.

He said the administration, under his presidency, would work towards completing the arms disposal programme in the autonomous region.

He added a lot more needed to be done in that area.

Momis said his government would also look at other ways of generating revenue to finance much-needed public service and public infrastructures.

He also plans to build up investors’ confidence within the region and offer opportunity to generate wealth for all Bougainvilleans.

“Bougainvilleans must be able to sustain their own living.

“They must be able to pay for their children’s school fees, food, vehicles and such,” Momis said during his speech at Hutjena.

He thanked all Bougainvilleans for respecting the democratic process of election in this second election.

Tanis thanked the voters for their support and pledged to work closely with the president-elect for a smooth transition of powers.

A total of 40 declarations were made over two weeks – the presidential seat, seats in 33 constituencies and seats for ex-combatants and women.

The elected leaders will be sworn in next Tuesday as members of the second Bougainville house of representatives.

 

 

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