Second time lucky for former B’ville army boss

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By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
IT was a second-time lucky for former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander Ishmael Toroama when he was declared President-elect of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville yesterday.
He had first contested the seat in 2015 but finished second to Dr John Momis who was fighting for his second term as President.
Toroama becomes the fourth elected Bougainville president.
The first president was Joseph Kabui who took the reins on June 15, 2005.
He held it for next three years until June 2008 when he passed away due to ill health.
John Tabinaman was appointed acting President for a year to January 2009.
James Tanis won the election for the seat that year.
He kept the seat until June 2010 when Momis became president.
Momis again won the election in 2015 allowing him to serve two terms. This year, Toroama contested the election under his Bougainville People’s Alliance.
He was declared the winner yesterday morning by Regional Returning Officer Peter Wanga at the United Church hall count centre in Hutjena.
The announcement was witnessed by Bougainville Electorate Commissioner George Manu, other declared members of the House of Representatives, Assistant Returning Officers and election officials.