Pending any injunction, Simon Pentanu said the election would be held from May 11 to 25, Radio New Zealand International reported.

 

This year's election is more important than most, it will determine the makeup of the autonomous region's leadership as it heads into independence negotiations with the Papua New Guinea government.

 

But incumbent President John Momis is before the Supreme Court, pushing to be allowed to run for a third term as president.

 

The current government is also challenging the retention of three seats for former combatants.

 

But Pentanu said the Supreme Court action should not prevent Bougainville from going ahead with its election.

 

He said he would issue the writs on 27 March.