The electoral process in Bougainville is to begin on the 17th June - two months later than initially intended.
The Bougainville Electoral Commissioner George Manu announced yesterday that the writs would be issued on that date.
Bougainville's electoral commissioner George Manu and acting election manager George Kenatsi (February 2020) Photo: Bougainville Electoral Commission
A date for the actual poll is yet to be announced but it is likely in late July or early August.
The announcement comes amid a state of emergency issued to try and ensure than Covid-19 is kept out of the region.
Legislative changes last week mean that elections can now be conducted during a state of emergency if health and security officials believe this is possible without compromising social distancing requirements.
Mr Manu said the Bougainville health secretary has developed guidelines that everyone including the electoral officials will follow during the electoral process.