Morobe Province is counting down to June 24th, with polling preparations underway.
Provincial Returning Officer, Simon Soheke said local level governments of Lae, Ahi, Wampar and Nawae Urban will conduct one day polling on Thursday June 29.
He said in Morobe alone more than 400 thousand eligible voters will cast their votes starting this Saturday.
Soheke said most polling materials have been distributed, while materials for about four districts have yet to be sent out.
Speaking to three other returning officers in Morobe, concerns were raised about road access and transportation of teams and materials into remote areas; most said the weather could delay preparations – a challenge that cannot be helped.
“All LLGs in Kabwum are not connected by road and that will be challenging for us. We are hopeful for an effective logistic support to get the materials and teams out on time,” said Kabwum Returning Officer, Fidelis Harrisol.
Bulolo, Huon Gulf, Markham and Nawae reported the same, with weather being the biggest threat yet in hindering the efficient transfer of materials and teams to remote wards.
“The Wantoat road is among the most challenging for the Markham team, in transporting our materials and teams out to the wards in the hinterlands,” says Markham Returning Officer Willie Pilailo.
While training for polling officials is taking place in districts like Finschafen, Nawae and Kabwum polling teams are mostly ready for dispatch before the end of the week.