Arawa Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Candidates intending to run in this year's election on Bougainville have been told not to start campaigning yet.
The government's acting secretary, Thomas Raivet, told New Dawn FM that early campaigning is creating confusion and sowing division among the people.
The election has been delayed until August because of the Covid-19 state of emergency and nominations will not be open until mid June.
Mr Raivet says people need to be patient.