Polling period

Talasea LLG polling will be completed tomorrow, 11^th July.

At Nalobu Ward 1 of Talasea LLG it was a hive of activities. There were long queues from both women and men while supporters of various candidates were sitting at their respective tents with market vendors in other tents.

But all was peaceful and orderly despite few hiccups with voters wanting answers regarding no names on the roll. The last day of polling for Hoskins LLG ended on Friday 8th July leaving Talasea LLG polling to be completed on Monday 11th July.

PPC Yangen said the security forces are ready and prepared. He said the Quick Response Force on the ground comprises Police Mobile Squad and PNG Defence Force personnel and local police officers.

“We are waiting for the rollover teams to arrive from Enga Province to boost our manpower strength,” he said.

The said this is so because the number of voters who voted is much lower than expected eligible voter number.

Ward 8 Councillor for Moem in Wewak Rural LLG was one frustrated Ward Councilor on the count of his people not exercising their democratic right to vote, especially those young people who just became of voting age, while on the other end, unnecessary harassments on the polling officials.

Ernest Ikau, Ward Councilor of Moem Ward 8, said the people were not happy with the way the Electoral Commission conducted the updates of the electoral roll.

Kokopo Returning Officer, Darius Kunai said these are the last ballot boxes from the Duke of York LLG to be returned before counting commence tomorrow, 11 July.

“The boxes have been locked up at the Kokopo Police station with the rest of the other ballot boxes from the Kokopo-Vunamami LLG, Raluana LLG and Bitapaka,” he said.

Mr Kunai said polling was smooth sailing for Kokopo District and the same is expected during counting.

However, due to deferral of polling from, Friday 8th to Monday 11th, the community missed out not only a set date for polling but hours of their paid jobs as well.

This newsroom visited the polling venue at Skyview Estate and were greeted by disgruntled residents who were disappointed and annoyed with the announcement of yet another deferred day of polling.

Skyview Estate Chairman, Garima Tongia, spoke on behalf of the community in airing their disapproval of the manner in which elections are being delivered for 2022.

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom said the security personnel are ready and looking forward to the polling.

He said the Quick Response Force comprising PNG Defence Force and Police Mobile Squad personnel and the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) will help the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command to deliver a free, fair and safe election.

Seasoned electoral officer, Esia Batu, was in the May 6^th gazette, with the number G347. His appointment was set from April 30^th to August 31^st.

However, Morobe’s Electoral Commission office found out that the head teacher of Ogeranang Primary School in Burum LLG, Kawage Mesere, was appointed as Finschhafen’s RO, specified in number G466, dated June 9^th.

However, the villagers retaliated and chased them away.

The settlers, after being rejected, held up a PMV at the entrance of the village and ransacked passengers of their personal properties.

Pari villager Alice Penrose, was a passenger in the bus. She said the settlers stopped the bus and ordered them out before taking their belongings.

"They threatened us with knives and stones and pulled a girl out of the bus,” she said.

"This sort of behavior is outrageous and uncalled for in our society.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu confirmed that the Moresby South CEO has been referred to the CID ITF for questioning.

It has been alleged that Mol was in Pari Village handing out cash to voters before they went to cast their votes.

Police received information and apprehended him.

More to come…

In a public announcement to the media and public this morning, George said polling for Moresby Northeast is deferred.

George said, “I as the Returning Officer hand in my resignation and I step down from this position.”

“The Commissioner will get a new Returning Officer come polling day when they do decide.”

George also stated that decisions for polling in the MNE electorate, including the date, will be decided by the Electoral Commission.