Two prominent Bougainvilleans are involved in the latest developments ahead of the upcoming elections.
The head of Papua New Guinea's National Council of Women, Theresa Jaintong, is resigning in order to stand in the August elections.
Arawa-based social worker and reconciliation leader Theresa Jaintong. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Johnny Blades
Ms Jaintong confirmed on Friday she had tendered her resignation as president of the national body, effective immediately.
The reconciliation campaigner said she was officially contesting the Central Bougainville women's seat in the upcoming elections in the autonomous PNG region.
Former BRA commander launches party
Meanwhile a former commander in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, Ishmael Toroama, has launched a political party.
The Post Courier newspaper reported Mr Toroama, who is running for the presidency, launched the Bougainville People's Alliance Party in Buka this week.
The party intended to run candidates in all 33 electorates, including the veterans' and womens' seats.
Mr Toroama said the party's vision was to make Bougainville a partner of choice in the global community.
Ishmael Toroama speaking at PNG think-tank, The National Research Institute. Photo: The National Research Institute
