The Bougainville Electoral Commissioner has sought help from high commissions and embassies in Port Moresby to provide monitors for the election starting next week.
Bougainville's electoral commissioner George Manu and acting election manager George Kenatsi (February 2020) Photo: Bougainville Electoral Commission
George Manu said it was important for the integrity of any election that there be outside observers.
Typically this would be provided by agencies like the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth, but with the restrictions imposed by Covid-19 this may not be possible.
Manu said he had approached a number of organisations and the diplomatic corps, asking for help, and has had a positive response.
"I need observers to be able to know how I have done because my institution has no experience conducting an election within these emergency laws and the pandemic, but I think we are doing well but I need some other people to tell me how we have done in conducting the election inside this pandemic," he said.
The election starts on Wednesday next week and is set to run until 1 September.
The Bougainville State of Emergency imposed to try and ensure Covid-19 doesn't enter the region is due to finish on 14 August.
The SOE regulations severely limit air travel into Bougainville, though charters are available, if the emergency controller gives his approval.
