Deferral causing disruptions

By DALE LUMA
THE 11-hour deferral of polling in the National Capital District (NCD) has been described as “disappointing” for businesses in the capital city.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco was reacting to the announcement by electoral commission yesterday that polling had to be moved to tomorrow (Friday).
It was scheduled to be held on Monday, but was deferred to yesterday by Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai.
“It’s disappointing that the deferral happened late (yesterday morning) on this occasion,” Fiocco said.
“Businesses have planned for their staff to leave at lunch time (to go and cast their vote). (So) it’s (deferral) is very disruptive to businesses.
“On top of that, there was an announcement that public servants will not be working today because of the polling.
“So basically we can’t (also) access normal government services yesterday.
“From what I understand, businesses were going to let their staff off after lunch to go and cast their votes and some were to let their staff go early and come in to work later.
“Because of the voting, there were not many PMVs operating in the morning.
“So staff couldn’t come to work on time.
“It’s very frustrating and costly for businesses.”
PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ian Tarutia called the sudden deferral “disruptive, unacceptable and inexcusable”.
Port Moresby North-West candidate Des Yaninen said: “Unnecessary delays impose a tremendous cost on everyone. Candidates incur significant costs in preparing for polling,” he said.
“It costs organisations a loss in productivity and revenue.
“In the case of NCD, the lack of realistic planning, clear and open communication between the EC (Electoral Commission), candidates and officials only feeds suspicion.
“We candidates expect more from the EC.
“We expect no further delays.”