UPNG polling issue

This comes after the Electoral Commission allowed for polling to be conducted today.

Polling didn't start until 1:30pm after ballot papers were brought under security escort to the campus.

Students were allowed to cast their votes using their ID cards as well as names according to the electoral roll.

At the time this report was filed, two hours remain before polling closes at 6pm.

The queues were also a source of frustration for the voters, as both male and female students stood in the same line.

After a disagreement between former and current students on whether voting should go ahead, Presiding Officer Cyril Lumbia was asked to intervene.

After a discussion with the other polling officials, Lumbia asked the students to decide what to do.

However they refused and asked Lumbia to make a decision.

Lumbia then said given the current situation, they will have to speak with RO/EM Jimmy to decide what to do next.

Only three hours remain for polling in NCD and if they do conduct polling, Lumbia says they will not beat the deadline.

Students are in a tug-of-war, with some pushing for polling to take place while others want it disputed.

Those pushing for polling to go ahead include former students whose names remain on the final updated electoral roll.

They have also called for those whose names are not on the roll, to show their ID card to confirm if they are genuine students in order to proceed and cast their vote.

Their call has been met with resistance by current students who say if polling goes ahead, they will deny the constitutional right of others to vote.