Voting outside Bougainville turned out well: Official

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK and DELORESE TALASI
VOTING for the Bougainville Referendum outside Bougainville went smoothly despite complaints of names missing from the referendum common roll, non-Bougainville resident assistant returning officer Simon Soheke says.
“Hundreds turned up for the first polling day in Port Moresby, Morobe, East New Britain and Jiwaka on Saturday,” he said.
“Unfortunately we had to turn away those people who didn’t register to vote.”
Soheke said polling would resume today after a break yesterday and would end on Friday.
“Polling in the Solomon Islands (Honiara and Gizo) and Australia (Cairns and Brisbane) will start (today).”
Meanwhile, Chris Haku from Buka was disappointed that his name was not on the roll at the PNG Education Institute, Gordon, Port Moresby .
“Yes, I didn’t enrol because I didn’t have time. I was busy working at 9-Mile building houses there so I missed out to contribute to determining the future of Bougainville.”
David Tupp, another Bougainvillean came from Buka to do business in Port Moresby.
Tupp registered in Buka but was in Port Moresby for business.
He used the provisional voting option to cast his vote.
The provisional voting option is available to registered voters to vote in another location, while on duty travel or for any other reason.
“I was told to fill out the provisional voting form and I voted. They will now have to reconfirm with the roll in Buka and count my vote,” Tupp said.
It was a rather emotional day for most Bougainvilleans living in Port Moresby as they joined other Bougainvilleans across the country to vote at the PNG Education Institute. Many of them were excited.
Derrick Moses, after voting, said he did not usually carry the Bougainville flag around but Saturday was different.
“For the love of my island home and people I am very excited to be casting my vote,” he said.
“As a patriotic Bougainvillean, I am proud to put on the colourful and most treasured AROB flag and cast my vote in this historical Bougainville Referendum.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Quentin Nukuitu, who said it was an emotional day for him. “Thought of all the lives lost, people that brokered peace and those involved in restoring peace on Bougainville.
“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to participate in this unique voting process of referendum,” he said.
Solomon Nosuri said he felt excited voting as it was the only chance given to the Bougainvilleans to decide their future political status.