Referendum commission makes special polling for 15 Upes

THE Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC) has allowed special polling for 15 Upes in Central Bougainville, as well as visiting bed-ridden hospital patients and those in the Buka police lockup to ensure that everyone votes.
Upes are boys and young men undertaking their “coming of age” initiations.
Returning officer John Sisiesi, who cast his vote at the Kunua community, one of three communities in Bougainville where the Upe tradition is still practiced, said it was important to both respect and keep Bougainvillean customs.
“Upe is a long tradition in Bougainville and the Upe is at the centre of the Bougainville flag.”
“I’m happy that on the completion of all other polling in this constituency, we have been able to make special men-only polling arrangements for these young men.”
The teacher of the young men Sam Manu, passed on the appreciation of the 15 young men, who were able to cast their vote while also maintaining their reclusive initiation ceremony.