By Wasita Royal
Frustration and anger erupted at the Rababath Ward polling booth in Livuan LLG as numerous eligible voters, including long-time participants in past elections, were turned away after discovering their names missing from the electoral roll.
Livuan LLG presidential candidate and former ward councillor Robert Billy condemned the situation as a systemic failure and a violation of democratic rights.
“These are our people who have voted in past elections, yet today they are told they cannot participate,” Billy said.
He revealed that while the estimated voting population for the area is around 15,000, the official roll lists only 8,523 eligible voters. From the opening of polls, many residents were reportedly turned away.
Billy blamed the Electoral Commission, stressing its responsibility to maintain an accurate and updated roll especially after the election had already been deferred several times.
He said the issue goes beyond politics, describing it as a direct attack on the people’s fundamental right to representation.
