Bougainville House of Representatives
The Bougainville House of Representatives is the legislature of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, an autonomous entity within Papua New Guinea. It was established in 2005 under Part 5 of the region's constitution, which specifies that the House of Representatives shall comprise 39 elected members in addition to the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, currently John Momis, and the Speaker of the House, chosen outside of it.
All elected members are chosen via Instant-runoff voting. Each of the 33 constituencies defined under Part 8 of the Constitution elects a single member to the House. Additionally, the North Bougainville District, South Bougainville District and Central Bougainville District each elect a woman representative and a former combatant representative who fought with the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during Bougainville's armed struggle for independence from Papua New Guinea. A 41st representative, the Speaker, is appointed externally by the elected members.
Representatives of Bougainville who have been elected to the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea are allowed many of the same privileges as members of the Bougainville House of Representatives; but they may not: introduce motions, vote, or be counted towards a quorum. However, they are allowed to attend meetings of the House where they take part in debates and other proceedings.
Speakers
The Speaker is not an elected member of the House of Representatives, and is elected by a vote by the members.Speaker | Term | Notes |
Nick Peniai | 2005 – 2008 | |
Francesca Semoso | 2008 – 22 January 2009 | |
Andrew Miriki | 22 January 2009 – 15 June 2015 | |
Simon Pentanu | 15 June 2015 – present |