Momis loses the vote in Panguna heartland

My kingdom, my kingdom for central Bougainville

While it has been a good election for Bougainville’s President Momis, the ‘devil’ is in the detail. In those areas largely unaffected by moves to reignite the Panguna mine, Momis has been the beneficiary of voters wanting ‘safe’ and familiar hands in the lead up to the independence referendum. For those facing the prospect of Rio Tinto’s return and the vandalism of their land, the President’s hands seem much dirtier.

While Momis will almost certainly command majorities in the North and South, the anti-Rio Tinto candidates have out polled the President in central Bougainville. Simon Damurinu, one of Rio Tinto’s loudest critics, upped his vote by 3,200 votes, while another thorn in Rio Tinto’s side, Sam Kauona picked up near 9,000 votes.

This must be causing some nerves down in Melbourne and up in Buka. With Bougainville’s entire economic and political future being pinned by the President on Panguna reopening, the heavy support for anti-mining ‘radicals’ will be very worrying.

It wont be noted by the media, and the President will be keeping all eyes on the total vote, but he knows the devil is in the detail!’

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ITS NO LOOKING BACK FOR MOMIS
By Aloysius Laukai in Buka

The ABG President and candidate, DR. JOHN MOMIS is maintaining clear lead from Ballots from North Bougainville.
As of count 11 this morning see the following figures

Ballot No Candidate Prev Tot Votes New Total
16 John Lawrence Momis 16864 645 17509
14 Sam Akoitai 3616 473 4089
17 Ismael Toroama 3211 329 3540
10 Nick F. Peniai 2025 281 2306
12 Sam Kauona 1812 278 2090
18 Reuben Siara 1056 129 1185
11 Justin Pokata Kira 816 25 841
15 Simon Dumarinu 352 19 371
13 Peter Nerau 273 26 299

Total Valid Votes 30025 2205 32230
Informal 722 33 755
Total Votes 30747 2238 32985

Ballot No Candidate Prev Tot Votes New Total
16 John Lawrence Momis 30657 1385 32042
12 Sam Kauona 10771 187 10958
17 Ismael Toroama 8552 130 8682
14 Sam Akoitai 7633 60 7693
10 Nick F. Peniai 3643 33 3676
15 Simon Dumarinu 3477 12 3489
18 Reuben Siara 2620 31 2651
11 Justin Pokata Kira 1929 27 1956
13 Peter Nerau 647 9 656

Total Valid Votes 69929 1874 71803
Informal 1308 34 1342
Total Votes 71237 1908 73145