Candidates in East New Britain participated in a week-long open forum earlier this month to let voters know about their policies. It was also an opportunity to educate the people about the limited preferential voting system. The forums were organised by the ENB election steering committee who are driving voter education in the province assisting the provincial electoral office under the chairmanship of provincial administrator Wilson Matava. For ENB regional seat and Kokopo open seat, the forum was held at the Kokopo market, Gazelle Open seat at Kerevat market and Rabaul Open seat at Rabaul market. The forum for Pomio Open would be held at Palmalmal. The committee felt it was important to get voters to make informed choices and the importance of LPV awareness. The general message was to ensure a “free, fair and safe” election. People turned up in numbers to hear what the candidates had to offer them. Speaking during the forum in Rabaul, Mr Matava said the forum is an important platform for candidates as well as voters to be informed about policies and platforms. He made a stern warning to candidates to steer clear of criticizing their political rivals and reminded that those caught spoiling posters and other merchandise will be dealt with. Meantime Rabaul District Administrator Peter Lapim when giving a brief status of the district’s profile said the district is ready to work with the duly elected new leader in driving the district mission and vision in growing the local economy and ensuring that people are free of oppression.