Desmond Tsianai, newly appointed Acting Commissioner for the Bougainville Electoral Commission, was sworn into office recently. Mr Tsianai was appointed as the acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner by the Bougainville Executive Council following the untimely passing of the Late Acting Commissioner Mr. Winterford Toreas.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony, Mr Tsianai acknowledged the former Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu, for his leadership and mentoring since the establishment of the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner. Mr Tsianai also acknowledged late acting Commissioner, Winterford Toreas for his brief leadership to the organisation.
Acting Commissioner, Mr Tsianai vowed to work with the ABG and stakeholders to plan and deliver democratic elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
He said one of his immediate tasks is to deliver the 2023 South Bougainville Former Combatants By-Election on time and within budget.
"Polling ended on Friday the 17th of November and counting commenced on Monday the 20th and is currently underway in Buin".
"We aim to announce the results by the end of the week and return the writs to the house speaker on the 27th of this month", Mr Tsianai said.
He said after the election, OBEC will focus on its planning and preparations for next Electoral events in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The appointment will lapse after a period of 6 months or earlier should a new substantive holder is confirmed by the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee to this post.
Mr Tsianai was the Director of Elections Management until his appointment as the Acting Commissioner for the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner.
