Names not on electoral roll

Letters

INADEQUATE ballot papers and eligible voter names not incorporated in the electoral roll have been, so far, evident in most parts of Lae Open polling boots.
The acceptable voters in some polling stations would like to move into lines to express their democratic rights to cast their ballots however, not enough ballot papers were available per polling stations and could not allow to vote was frustrating.
Ward 3 of Lae Open comprises of Butibam locals, Ampo Lutheran church Head Office residents and Balob Teachers College both academic, ancillary staff members and their families were affected.
The total qualified voter’s population is more than 1,000-plus and 500 ballot papers issued saw many missing out.
This is a general election and all eligible citizens have the democracy to express his/her rights through the ballot papers.
The facility has been organised at ward council level, however the setback was the ballot papers.
If such similar situations are evident throughout the country, then the Government and the office of the Electoral Commission have not done a thorough job.
The population in the country is growing and eligible voters or inhabitants are increasing, therefore voter enrolment and updates must be systematically done to take on board the growing population so such mistakes should not be repeated in 2027 general election.
The delegation of councillors collection of population database at the ward level must be harnessed so information flows from the bottom into the main system.
Proper population updates must be done so all or most authorised voters can participate in actual voting.
We want to see a just and fair voting and counting of votes is done so that a contestant who has commanding votes from the eligible voters can be declared as a duly elected member for such and such electorate.

Jack Anis Kukiwa
Lae