Polling in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville progresses well
MEDIA RELEASE
Polling in the Autonomous region of Bougainville (ARB) is progressing well after commencing this morning (Monday 25 June).
The Atolls Islands is the only region which has not started as it is still awaiting a vessel, the MV Andreas, to arrive and transport polling, police and security personnel as well as polling materials to the four atoll island groups of Carterets, Mortlock, Tasman and Fead.
Provincial Police Commander for the ARB, Senior Inspector Cletus Tsien, said that all in all, polling in all areas except the Atolls, kicked of this morning and things are going well.
“Polling in Buka and Buin commenced on time however, in Arawa, there was a slow start due to grievances from the polling officers who were late in getting their polling allowance. However, they have been assured that the issue is being sorted out and the officers started work,” Senior Inspector Tsien said.
He said that Australian and Commonwealth Election Observers are now on the island doing their observations in Central and Buka today, and to move to Panguna and then to South Bougainville.
Inspector Tsien said that there has been no hiccups, but only a minor complaint which he and ARB Election Manager, Reitama Taravaru are sorting out. This relates to rumours circulated in that polling personnel are to conduct polling on Polpok island without police security personnel.
Senior Inspector Tsien envisages a smooth and successful polling in the ARB. In the meantime, he is hopeful that the MV Andreas will arrive in Buka tonight to take the polling and police security team to the Atolls.
He says polling in the Atolls will take 3-4 days only, a day in each of the 4 atoll island groups.