Voters turned up in numbers as early as 7am at Gerehu Primary School in Port Moresby, but were denied entry and forced to wait outside the gates for Election officials, security personnel and scrutineers to get organized for polling to start.
Polling started after 10 in the morning when the gates opened and voters were allowed in to cast their votes, but frustrated voters complained about the late start and demanded an explanation from election officials.
Officials claim the delay was all because of the late set up, but polling was to go ahead expecting an early finish depending on the number of ballot papers available.
Half way through the day, and numbers continued to swell and queues at the 3 polling sites for teams 110, 111 and 112 continued to grow.
Social distancing in the long queues was not observed, despite voters having to sanitize their hands before casting their votes at the booths.
Team 111 Team leader and First Constable Naureen Bayagau said despite the late start, polling was peaceful for the morning.
They expect a much bigger crowd towards the end of polling and are hopeful all goes well.
Polling is set to wrap at 4pm.