Another twist on polling day in the Moresby North-East electorate has left voters frustrated and confused.
In the Ward 5 area, many turned up in numbers to cast their votes at Apex and Lahara Park.
After waiting for more than three hours many were turned away following the sudden resignation of Moresby North-East Returning Officer, Billy George.
Mr George also announced that, polling for MNE has been deferred to Monday 11th of July 2022.
A voter, John Raga told Inside PNG all this boils down to the preparation by the Electoral Commission as the agency responsible.
“There are so many discrepancies from the very start, EC had five years to get all this done. We are in a big mass”, said Raga.
We need better policies to ensure the electoral system is working. It really comes down to the administration of the election by EC.” said Raga.
“We now must elect leaders who will foster change, what we are seeing is a ripple effect. Hopefully the common roll and other issues are addressed and mistakes not repeated in the next election. “said Raga.
We have to vote, it’s our democratic right,” Raga said.
A long time resident at Laurabada Avenue in the Ward 5 area, Joycelyn Tadabe says her right to vote today was deprived.
“It’s a first of its kind and it’s upsetting. Elections are never free and fair. This election is very bad, many are praying for those that are taking lead in carrying out the election process,” said Mrs Tadabe.
“I will return on Monday and cast my vote, it’s my right,” Tadabe said.
With polling for Moresby North East deferred to Monday 11th July, many working class are concerned that they will miss out come polling day.
A resident at Boroko’s Angau Drive, Chris Pokasui says chances of exercising his right to vote are now limited with polling deferred for the third time.
“My employer gave us a few days to stay home and vote. We now have to consider whether to attend work on Monday next week or see hours cut in our pay,” said Mr Pokasui.
He added that the EC must be consistent with its decision and planning of the election. “I hope this issue is addressed and polling resumes in MNE”, said Pokasui.
A youth in the same area also appealed to the voting population to vote honest leaders who will get into office and assist and push the Electoral Commission to improve in administering the election.
Ronny Austrai said such delay is frustrating and people must see this and make better choices. He said the deferral has cost a lot for those who have planned to cast their votes.
“Are we voting the right leaders or we voting corrupt leaders. It’s the leaders who are manipulating the system. Think of our future and the good of our community. “said Mr Austrai.
Meanwhile a senior public servant at Boroko has called for the sacking of the electoral officers delaying the polling. He said these officers are incompetent and that is why polling has been deferred for more than once.
“They have five years to prepare, organize and ensure the election process is smoothly implemented. Today most voters are frustrated, why are we facing all these issues, he questioned.
The senior public servant said those responsible must be sacked.
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