Moresby North West by-election polling ready, says Sinai

POLLING for the Moresby North-West by-election is ready for today, says acting Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai. It had to be postponed from Wednesday this week because of a “miscommunication between the Electoral Commission and the police” which has been sorted out. Polling starts at 8am and ends at 6pm in 136 polling stations. Security in the polling areas will be provided by 1025 police officers. There are 89,500 ballot papers with different colours for the five wards – pink for Ward One, green for Ward Seven, blue for Ward Eight, yellow Ward 10 and red for Ward 11.
“We are trying to fight corruption and making sure the electoral process is followed in a transparent and democratic manner,” he said in a statement. “Voters are assigned to polling booths based on their place of residence.”He urged voters to strictly follow the Covid-19 safety measures. “Voters will be requested by the Covid-19 warden to wear their face masks, get their body temperature reading, have their hands sanitized, and keep a 1.5 meter distance during polling,” he said. Voters are also advised to bring their own blue pens. “I appeal to all voters, supporters and candidates for the Moresby North-West electorate to follow election laws and support this event to be free, fair and safe for all.”