Warning on Baiyer venue

 By ELIAS LARI

THE people of Baiyer in Western Highlands have urged the Electoral Commission not to allow the counting for ward councillors to take place at the polling booths as it would cause problems.

They said Baiyer was well-known for tribal fights and counting must take place at the district office. 

The people’s views were made known to the Mapoa Peace and Prosperity Association which carried out awareness on the Limited Preferential Voting system, good governance and election laws.

The awareness campaign was funded by the Electoral Commission.

Mapoa caretaker president Paul Yambi said the awareness team covered most parts of the Baiyer district and the people’s main concern was the counting venue for the ward councillors.

“This is because Baiyer was declared a fighting zone in Western Highlands and they do want election related problems taking place,” Yambi said.

“They fear that without the security personnel it will be a risky task to count the ballot papers at the polling booth and want it to be moved to the district office so that they can count them together with the presidents.”

Yambi thanked the Electoral Commission for funding the awareness that helped them to educate people about the LLG elections.