Bougainville

While 34 women candidates mark a record high, the number pales in comparison to the 370 male candidates who will be contesting Thursday's election.

The dominant issue going into the next election in less than a week in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region is not much different from the last polls five years ago.

Ishmael Toroama says he's not feeling the pressure as he seeks a second five-year term in office. Audio

Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai says the electoral office is fully prepared for the one-day vote on 4 September.

Elizabeth Palin, who has extensive political experience at the grassroots level, is one of five women contesting the Bougainville election this September.

As the autonomous Papua New Guinea region prepares to elect a new government, front and centre is the "incredibly challenging issue" of independence.

Therese Kaetavara is aiming to retain her South Bougainville women's reserved seat and return as an MP after the 2025 Bougainville general election next month.

The former army colonel, who is running under the New Bougainville Party, has given himself the "underdog" tag for next month's polls.

The Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency says it is happy that there are 34 women who will contest next month's election.

It's thought such a poll has not previously been attempted in Papua New Guinea. Audio

One of the first women to hold an open seat in Bougainville, Theonila Roka Matbob, is "more relaxed, more focused" and confident she can win again. Audio

Joe Lera wants to see widespread changes in the way the Autonomous Bougainville Government is run.