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By PILA WASU
POLLING in West New Britain was completed on Wednesday and counting for
the two Open seats and the Regional seat is expected to start tomorrow
at the Talasea local level government (LLG) area.
Counting was originally scheduled for today but was deferred because the
naval boat that was supposed to bring in the ballot boxes from Kandrian-Gloucester
and Bali Vitu Islands had not arrived.
Candidates and their scrutineers were briefed yesterday by electoral
officials on the counting which will be held at the Talasea LLG area.
Counting for Talasea Open electorate will be held at the old Talasea
building centre while Kandrian-Gloucester will be held at the new
building centre.
Bad weather and logistical problems seem to be the hurdles in an
otherwise peaceful election in the oil palm-rich province.
Some security and polling officials deployed to Kandrian-Gloucester,
Kalai, Kove, Bali and Vitu Islands returned to Kimbe yesterday while
some were waiting to be picked up by the PNG Defence Force naval boat
Dreger.
The naval boat and other sister boats have been heavily involved in
election operations for the last three weeks ferrying security and
polling officials to areas inaccessible by road.
Meanwhile, West New Britain police commander Supt Sylvester Euga said
elections so far had been peaceful and praised the people of the
province for trouble-free polling.
He also praised his members for their loyalty and dedication in
providing security during the polling period.
Supt Euga asked the members to continue the good work until the counting
was over and winners declared.
 
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