1 Apr 2022

Bougainville's Momis thinks about political comeback

1:38 pm on 1 April 2022
Bougainville President John Momis

John Momis Photo: supplied

The former president of Bougainville John Momis is contemplating standing in Papua New Guinea's national elections in June.

Mr Momis, who was president for ten years, had wanted to run for a third term in 2020 but was barred by the courts from doing so.

That election was won resoundingly by Ishmael Toroama.

Mr Momis said he will have a health check before making a decision on whether to stand.

The most likely seat for him to contest would be the regional seat, currently held by Peter Tsiamalili, but there are also the north, central and south seats that he could consider.

Mr Momis, who turns 80 this year, has been involved in PNG politics since before independence, and was a key figure, alongside Sir Michael Somare, in drawing up the PNG constitution.

He was a long time member in the national parliament, serving as a cabinet minister under both Sir Michael and Sir Julius Chan.