The 2024 Highland Papua gubernatorial election was held on 27 November 2024 as part of nationwide local elections to elect the governor of Highland Papua for a five-year term. It was the first gubernatorial for the province since its formation in 2022. The election was won by Mamberamo Raya Regent John Tabo of Golkar with 56% of the vote. His sole opponent, Befa Yigibalom, received 43%.
Electoral system
The election, like other local elections in 2024, follow the first-past-the-post system where the candidate with the most votes wins the election, even if they do not win a majority. It is possible for a candidate to run uncontested, in which case the candidate is still required to win a majority of votes "against" an "empty box" option. Should the candidate fail to do so, the election will be repeated on a later date.
In Highland Papua, elections in six out of eight regencies are conducted through the noken system, where votes are cast collectively by tribal leaders.
Candidates
According to electoral regulations, in order to qualify for the election, candidates are required to secure support from a political party or a coalition of parties controlling 9 seats (20 percent of all seats) in the Highland Papua House of Representatives (DPRPP). Candidates may alternatively demonstrate support to run as an independent in form of photocopies of identity cards, but no such candidates registered prior to the deadline set by the General Elections Commission (KPU) on 12 May 2024.
Potential
The following are individuals who have either been publicly mentioned as a potential candidate by a political party in the DPRPP, publicly declared their candidacy with press coverage, or considered as a potential candidate by media outlets:
- John Tabo (Golkar), regent of Mamberamo Raya, former regent of Tolikara, chairman of Golkar's Highlands Papua branch.
- Befa Yigibalom (PKS), regent of Lanny Jaya.
- Ones Pahabol (Demokrat), regent of Yahukimo.