The outgoing President of Bougainville says he is actively campaigning for a candidate in the race to replace him because he has unfinished business.
Thomas Raivet and John Momis. Photo: New Dawn FM / Aloysius Laukai
John Momis was stopped by the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court last month from seeking an unprecedented third term.
Now there are 25 people, including two women, contesting the position.
Mr Momis partly attributed the crowded field contesting the presidency to the fact that he is retiring.
But he said many of these prospective leaders didn't have the skills or experience.
"The leaders must have a habit of drinking from the people's well," Mr Momis said.
"You can't really impose your wish or what you want to do on the people. You must be able to translate their genuine aspirations and real needs, and take responsible actions to bring them to reality. You need visionary leadership."
Meanwhile, Mr Momis said he was backing Thomas Raivet, who had been Bougainville's chief secretary.
"I have decided to be involved in the campaign for my nominee for the presidential seat because the next government will have the responsibility to complete what I feel, consciously and strongly, that I began in 1972 when the people of Bougainville sent me on a mission."
The outgoing president started his political career 48 years ago, three years before PNG became independent.
But his career could be far from over. Once a new government is in place, formal discussions with about the result of Bougainville's recent non-binding independence referendum are due to take place and Mr Momis wants to be there.
An overwhelming majority of Bougainvilleans voted for independence from Papua New Guinea, but the result would have to ratified by PNG's national parliament in order to come into effect.
"But that is of course subject to a consultative process and, with my experience and insight into issues from the very beginning, I want to contribute, as long as the new government wants to engage me," Mr Momis said.
Bougainville's Minister for Peace Agreement Implementation, Albert Punghau, said formal talks between the two governments are expected to take about a year.
He said at that point the PNG parliament would be called on to ratify what has been decided by the negotiators.
Mr Momis said he had been assured by Mr Raivet that he would be made a special envoy for Bougainville, with particular emphasis on the negotiations over the recent independence referendum.
Mr Raivet, while a political newcomer, has been well groomed by both his military training and his Christian values and would handle the job well, Mr Momis said.
