Voters putting up with long queues

CHIEF referendum officer Mauricio Claudio has thanked Bougainvilleans for their patience in putting up with the long queues since voting began on Saturday.
“This shows that Bougainvilleans are engaged with the process, enthusiastic and are willing to endure the long queues,” he told reporters.
Autonomous Bougainville Government deputy speaker Francesca Semoso said they had waited for 20 years for the referendum so enduring long queues was a minor issue.
“We continue to see good numbers and good participation,” she said.
“I’m sure many of you have gone out and witnessed the long queues at the polling places.
“You have witnessed that polling is generally being conducted in a generally tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
“People are patient as they are waiting in the long queues. And internal reports are positive everything is proceeding smoothly and festivities continue.”
Claudio said that 375 applications for postal voting were received by the Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC).