miriki is the new agb speaker

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20090122/thhome.htm

By PETERSON TSERAHA

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has a new speaker to run the region’s parliament.
He is Andrew Miriki who was nominated from two others, Theresa Jaintong, the president of the National Women’s Council and Gerard Sinato, the
former ABG health minister.
Mr Miriki, who replaces Nick Peniai, won with 18 votes with Mr Sinato second in 13 and Ms Jaintong with five votes.
Mr Miriki was nominated by members from the South and the nomination was announced by new Health Minister and member for Baubake, Thomas Lugabai,
Ms Jaintong was nominated by central Bougainville members and Gerard Sinato by those from the North.
The voting began after Minister for Works and member for Halia constituency seconded that the nominations close since there were already three
nominees representing each region of Bougainville.
Straight after the declaration by Acting Speaker Francesca Semoso, the House was adjourned to prepare for the new speaker’s swearing in.
The senior magistrate and Clerk of Parliament Robert Tapi sorted out the writ signing, the swearing of oaths in which was followed and Mr Miriki’s
swearing in was witnessed by the ministers, CEOs and parliament staff.
Mr Miriki comes from Wisai in the Konnou constituency in the south Bougainville area of Buin.
Mr Miriki is one of Bougainville’s key players in the peace process as the BRA hardliners spokesman.
He is well known on Bougainville and nationally and internationally since he was the won who registered the BRA case at the United Nations
headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland during the crisis.
Mr Miriki was warmly welcomed and congratulated by the members of the House of Representatives for winning his new role as the Speaker.