Rigo voters cry foul

MORE than 500 eligible voters in the Maria local level government area in Rigo district, Central province are disappointed with the unfair decisions made by election officials.
In a letter to the Electoral Commission, community spokesman William Marabu said his people had been stopped from voting on Monday at the Toule Adventist Primary School and Gomauo village.    
“Instead we were told to go to our respective wards about four to five days walking distance,” he said.
Marabu said it was unfair that election officials were treating them like law-breakers by disallowing them from voting in their customary polling venue.
“We, as eligible voters of Maria LLG, are very much confounded and disappointed at what has recently emerged,” he said.
“We always uphold the Electoral Commission and voting laws, regulations and rules.
“We are always renowned for peaceful voting at Toule Adventist Primary School and Gomauo village in past elections.”
He said there were hidden motives behind the decision to stop his area from voting for a leader who would bring development and services into their community.
“The election process is under way and the voters’ sole democratic right is demonstrated nationwide to choose a leader who will represent them in parliament,” he said.
Marabu has called on Trawen to intervene and instruct the provincial election manager for Central and his returning officer to allow his people to vote at Toule Adventist Primary School.