Bougainville House of Representatives Launches New Website to Strengthen Public Participation and Transparency

With UNDP's support, the Bougainville House of Representatives has launched its new official website, marking a significant step forward in modernizing parliamentary operations and strengthening democratic engagement across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

March 29, 2026

The website was launched with the support of UNDP's 'Strengthening PNG Parliament Project', which is generously funded by Australia.

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The new website introduces a range of innovative digital tools designed to improve transparency, accessibility, and citizen participation in parliamentary processes. Through these features, the Bougainville House of Representatives is making it easier for citizens to access information, engage with parliamentary work, and contribute directly to decision-making processes.

Among the key features of the new website are interactive Committee Hubs, which allow citizens to track ongoing parliamentary inquiries, access Terms of Reference, and monitor committee membership in real time. This provides unprecedented visibility into how key national issues are examined and debated.

The website also introduces a multi-format public evidence submission system, enabling citizens to contribute to committee inquiries through written submissions, as well as voice and video recordings. This inclusive approach ensures that Bougainvilleans from all backgrounds—regardless of literacy level or geographic location—can have their voices heard in parliamentary processes.

In his remarks, President Toroama, emphasized how the website would bring Bougainvilleans closer to their elected leaders

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In addition, the new digital E-Petitions platform provides a formal and accessible channel for citizens and groups to raise concerns, propose actions, and track the progress of petitions through Parliament. This strengthens civic engagement and ensures that public concerns are clearly recognized within the legislative system.

"If our people have any grievances, they must be able tovuse every avenue in every instituation available to them to express it to their leaders. The website we are launching today will of course be one of them," the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Hon. Ishmael Toroama, stated in his remarks at the launching ceremony.

Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Hon. Simon Pentanu, also welcomed the launch of the website, stating: “Everything good that happens does not happen overnight. This website will be a tool of educating our communities on what our Members are doing for them. It will be a tool to record our history, a historic repository of what our Members have said and done in this House."

The website was developed with support from the Strengthening PNG’s Parliament Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Government of Australia. The project works to strengthen the legislative, oversight and representative functions of parliamentary institutions.

The Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Hon. Simon Pentanu, highlighted the website's role in preserving the historic memory of Bougainville

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UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth, highlighted the importance of digital innovation in governance, stating: “Digital platforms such as the BHOR website play a critical role in strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. UNDP is proud to support this initiative, which ensures that parliamentary processes are more open and inclusive, and that citizens across Bougainville can actively participate in shaping decisions that affect their lives.”

The new website is designed as a modern, secure, and user-friendly platform that facilitates access to parliamentary information, supports public engagement, and provides a foundation for future digital services, including live streaming of parliamentary sessions and expanded civic education tools.

The Bougainville House of Representatives encourages all citizens, stakeholders, and partners to explore the new platform and actively engage with parliamentary processes.