Polling for the residents of Touaguba Hill and Paga in Moresby South electorate ward 2 started off slowly yesterday, with polling commencing at 1pm, which left voters frustrated over the very late start.
This delay was due to a minority of scrutineers, unsatisfied with certain conditions of the polling site, at the same time disputing the eligibility of former Paga Hill settlement residents.
The polling crew arrived late at the polling site, thus prolonging the polling process for disgruntled civilians. Not too long after the polling booths were set up did the next round of dispute ensue.
A small minority of scrutineers started questioning the eligibility of the former Paga settlement residents, arguing that since they no longer reside at Paga, they should not be voting at the polling site.
The scrutineers argued that these residents no longer reside here and were evicted years ago, therefore they should no longer be here to cast their vote.
This carried on for a few more hours before Assistant Returning Officer for Moresby South ward 2, Neil Opal stepped in to address the situation, assuring the people that all whose names that are on the common roll will exercise their right to vote.
Also present at the polling venue, current seating member Justin Tkatckenko and the only female candidate contesting the Moresby South Electorate, Michelle Hau’ofa.
Polling commenced at around 1pm in the afternoon.
