Polling in Manus is winding down as ward one of the Pobuma Local Level Government went to the polls today.
Manus Election Manager Sponsa Navi told Loop PNG this morning that polling for all other LLGs have been completed.
Polling in the remaining ward in Pobuma LLG is currently in progress today while Balopa LLG completd polling yesterday. These two LLGs are the last for polling.
Ballot papers of other LLGs are now being transported back to Lorengau.
His team conducted polling at Whal Island this morning and will proceed to Mbuke Island afterwards.
Polling was deferred by one day for ward one of the Pobuma LLG because the team arrived yesterday on Whal island.
Navi said counting will commence next Monday at the Sahart Hall, Lorengau Town.
It is understood training for counting officials will have to be conducted prior to counting. It is the same for all other provinces.
Meanwhile, Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said ballot boxes from completed polling areas are under tight security in Lorengau.
PPC Yapu said the only problem encountered during polling was missing names on the Electoral Roll, which denied citizens their democratic rights to vote.
“This resulted in some teams temporarily suspending polling… the assistant returning officers and presiding officers had to explain to the voters and later resumed with polling,” he said.
PPC Yapu said security has been tightened in anticipation of situations that may arise during the counting period.
“Otherwise, the election in Manus Province has been quiet and peaceful,” he added.
(Polling taking place on M’Buke Island today at the time this article was published. Picture courtesy of Tatut Partilius Facebook account)