All 40 members sworn in, declarations made

The National National
From left: Member for Ioro constituency Theonila Matbob, North Bougainville Women’s Representative Amanda Masono Getsi and East Sepik Governor Allan Bird during the inauguration for the ABG president in Buka yesterday. – Nationalpic by MIRIAM ZARRIGA

ALL 40 members of the 4th House of Representative (HOR), including President Ishmael Toroama, were sworn in yesterday by the PNG Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika in Buka, witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan.
The members made a declaration of loyalty to Bougainville, declaration to PNG and declaration to HOR.
Marape was welcomed by vice-president Patrick Nisira, Minister for Communication Timothy Masiu, Minister for Bougainville Affairs Sir Puka Temu and others.
He was then taken to the HOR by a police escort and walked onto the parade ground escorted by the Deputy Comm of Police Bougainville Francis Tokura.
Marape then had a brief meeting with Toroama before meeting the guard of honour.
He greeted outgoing President Dr John Momis and the president walked out to inspect the guard of honour.
Dr Momis and Toroama fist-bumped before they got to the ceremonial aspects of the parade.
Then it was into the HOR for the swearing-in of all members.
Outside, the parade crowds were excited as traditional dancers entertained them.
Ministers, heads of missions, governors and departmental heads were part of the ceremony.
According to the Electoral Commission in Buka, there is:

  • One seat for the president;
  • 33 civil member constituents;
  • Three seats for women; and,
  • Three regional for former combatants.

In total, 40 writs were returned by EC (Electoral Commissioner)George Manu, overseen by outgoing Speaker Simon Pentanu.