Motu-Koitabu poll dates set

The National Main Stories

THE Motu-Koitabu Assembly elections in the National Capital District will begin next Thursday with the issuing of writs.
Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato said it would be the only local-level government election to be held this year. The rest will be held next April.
The election programme for Motu-Koitabu approved by Inter-government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu is:

  • Thursday Aug 30: Issue of writs;
  • Thursday Sept 6: Close of nominations;
  • Saturday Sept 29: Polling starts;
  • Saturday Oct 19: Polling ends;
  • Friday Oct 26: Return of writs.

Gamato said under the Motu-Koitabu Act 2007, the Electoral Commission was required to assist in conducting the elections.
He said preparations were progressing well.
“There’s an increase in enrolment figures from 2013. It is expected that some 48,400 eligible voters will cast their votes,” he said.
Voter registration ended last Friday and the final roll was being compiled for use during polling.
The wards in Motu-Koitabu West are Araira, Baruni, Elevala Lahara, Elevala Laurabada, Elevala Mirigini, Porepada Lahara, Porepada Laurabada and Tatana.
The wards in Motu-Koitabu East are Kirakira, Korobosea, Mahuru, Pari Taoata, Pari Taurama and Vabukori.
The returning officer is Terence Hetinu and his two assistants are Michael Are (Motu-Koitabu West) and Claire Gibson (Motu-Koitabu East).
Meantime, ballot papers will be printed locally and colour-coded. Each voter will be given three ballot papers on an A4-size paper with ward names printed on them.
Motu Koitabu West has 33,950 registered voters and Motu-Koitabu East has around 14,450.