John Momis who has led Bougainville for the past five years has maintained his substantial lead in the race for the presidency of Bougainville.
Vote counting which started on Saturday continued overnight and Mr Momis maintains a lead of more than 16 thousand votes over his nearest rivals.
Mr Momis, has been involved in Bougainvillean politics since before it was established as a Papua New Guinea province more than 40 years ago.
Sam Kauona and Ismael Toroama are almost neck and neck in second and third place.
Both men were leaders in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army which fought for the region's independence in a bitter and violent civil war.
Nine men are running for the office.
Meanwhile 13 of the 39 seats in the new parliament have now been declared.
Full ballot boxes being transported for counting in Bougainville Photo: Supplied
