The Violence in Silence

In comparison to Bougainville’s history of conflict, the 2015 General Election was peaceful. However, the electoral process was not transparent, honest or fair.

Despite registering to vote, many citizens were silenced as their names were left off the electoral role, preventing them from voting. Even when people queried this with their electoral office, they were faced with inaction, according to reports from Bougainville Women’s Federation.

IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program is working with local civil society organisations including Bougainville Women’s Federation to educate citizens and ensure that they have access to vital information. For example, prior to the 2015 election, Bougainville Women’s Federation recorded a local radio program discussing the electoral process and providing relevant voting information.