Only one Local Level Government ward in East Sepik Province is yet to complete polling for the 2017 National Election, which ends today.
Provincial Election Manager Kila Ralai said polling throughout East Sepik has been completed, except for Tunap-Hunstein LLG in Ambunti-Dreikikir District.
Ambunti Dreikikir Returning Officer, Benjamin Gawi, confirmed with Loop PNG today that four remote, isolated villages are yet to be covered by his polling teams.
Gawi said a request for an extension of polling for the areas has already been sent to the PNG Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, a few days ago, who has indicated to approve extra days for voting.
He said the villages are only accessible by helicopter; it would take weeks to reach them on foot.
The returning officer said they are unable to complete polling because they had used up the allocated chopper timing, and have requested for support from the PNG Electoral Commission.
Gawi said his request has been approved and helicopter will be at Ambunti Station to airlift polling officials to the villages to complete polling.