Twelve for Sth B’ville by-election

 By FRANCIS PULU
TWELVE candidates have been nominated to contest in the South Bougainville by-election.
Among 12 is 2012 runner up and journalist Timothy Masiu, who will be contesting under the Peoples Progress Party ticket.
Returning officer John Itanu said the 12 candidates now head into two weeks of campaigning before polling starts on June 18.
“Even though there was a slow start to the nomination, we are glad that we have these 12 candidates to contest,” Itanu said.
He said since the nominations opened last Friday, there was no problem and that was what he wanted throughout the whole election period.
After two weeks of campaigning, polling would start on June 18 and close on July 1 before the writs are returned on July 22.
Polling will take place in Buin, Bana, Siwai and Torokina.
The South Bougainville seat was left vacant following the death of former MP Steven Pirika Kama.
Meanwhile, Bougainville police chief and Deputy Police Commissioner Francis Tokura told The National that his men would be providing security to ensure the election ended well.