Goroka by-election will trial separate voting booths: PM

THE Electoral Commission will trial separate booths for men and women at the Goroka by-election, Prime Minister James Marape said yesterday.
He said polling would start on Monday and not Saturday or Sunday. Unggai-Bena MP Benny Allen asked Marape if the polling date had been moved because of funding issues.
“I am asking these questions because there are some rumours going around that the by-election will not take place as scheduled because of funding issues,” he said.
“Will the polling dates be deferred because of funding?”
Marape said it was just a rumour and the by-election would take place as stated by the Electoral Commission. “We just moved polling days from Saturday and Sunday to Monday to allow for Sabbath keepers to worship” he said. “It would be unfair to all Sabbath keepers.
“For this by-election, we will be trialling two polling booths for both men and women.
“(We will do this) to see how it goes and also allow for freedom for women to vote without any issues.”
Polling will start on Monday, Sept 14.