Moresby North-West

The busy shop front at TST Waigani was deserted as eligible voters, in an orderly manner, turned up at the Waigani Police Station to cast their votes early this morning.

Polling booths opened just before 10am.

All shops around the area, including the main Waigani market, were closed this morning. Not even a single Asian shop remained open.

And unlike the Burns Peak polling area at Hohola, the three booths at Waigani were well organised as voters quietly and patiently stood in line to cast their votes.

Sir Mekere will challenge sitting member of parliament Michael Malabag for the Moresby North-West electorate.

After his nomination, Sir Mekere announced that after retiring in 2012, he has decided to return to politics based on the widespread public support.

Sir Mekere has served as the 6th Prime Minister of PNG between 1999 and 2002, and later as Leader of the Opposition, among other positions.

As of 4pm today, four candidates' nominations were accepted by the NCD's Election Manager and Returning Officer Terrence Hetinu,  who said nominations have been slow.

The first to nominate yesterday for North West was Micros Nea, an independent candidate at 4:47pm.

Today, former Chairman of Motu Koitabu Council Miria Ikupu nominated at 1:40pm. He will be running as an Independent candidate.