Former Bougainville president John Momis has confirmed he will stand for the regional Bougainville seat in the Papua New Guinea national elections in June.
Momis was president of Bougainville for ten years, through to 2020, but has been involved, in senior political roles, in Bougainville and PNG, extending back 50 years.
John Momis Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government
He first sat in the PNG parliament in 1972 - three years before independence - when, alongside Sir Michael Somare, he helped draw up the country's constitution.
The former Catholic priest said he was reluctant initially to become involved again after his retirement two years ago but was talked into it.
"I just wanted to concentrate on writing, finishing my book. I thought about it and so alright, well, number one, I must get myself checked out by a doctor. I have been given a clean bill of health and I have consulted some people who are in the know and we have agreed that, yes, I will stand," Momis said.
The former president said the four MPs elected to the PNG Parliament must collaborate to ensure the region's self determination is realised.
Momis said the people of Bougainville have made up their minds and the four MPs must work together.
"The four members, the new members of parliament from Bougainville will have to collaborate with the Autonomous Bouganville Government (ABG). We must be totally united, we must collaborate to address this outstanding issue of self determination. People have made up their minds," he said.