President Toroama on By-Elections
Bougainville’s aspirations for political independence should not be used as a mere campaign platform by candidates contesting the North Bougainville By-elections just to muster votes.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama made this statement during a press conference in Buka Town this week.
“Every National Election our people are misled by candidates who claim to represent our aspirations for political independence. It is on their posters, in their campaign talks and it is the basis of their appeal to the voting populace,” President Toroama said.
“The campaign promises by candidates to stand up and fight for the people’s independence aspirations on the floor of the National Parliament are watered down upon their entry into national politics. They become passive and adopt a noncommittal attitude to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and our people’s desire for political independence,” President Toroama said.
“Every Bougainville leader in the ABG and the National Government must remember that our independence aspirations is sacred in the sense that we lost twenty thousand fighting an unjust war to secure our freedom and having 97 percent of our people expressing their desire for independence during the 2019 Referendum,” President Toroama stated.
“I want to encourage the candidates contesting the North Bougainville By-elections who have their hearts in the right place, to honour the sacrifice of our people and our desire for independence by truly representing the felts needs and aspirations of our people when they are elected into office,” President Toroama said.
President Toroama also encouraged the voters to consider each candidate carefully before casting their votes.
He said voters have the right to expect more from their leaders and persons who wish to occupy public office on Bougainville.
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