In an interesting turn of events on polling this morning, the NCD Election Manager Kila Ralai announced the deferral of planned polling to Friday for the National Capital District.
The deferral followed by Moresby North East candidates with their Scrutineers raised concern after inspecting ballot boxes and identified four suspicious boxes.
In order to sort this matter out, the Election Manager deferred the polling to Friday.
“We will not be able to conduct the election today because I still maintain the process and efficiency of the election. The people will be given time to express their rights through the ballot papers. During the process of our election preparations there was interference by the candidates and scrutineers of Moresby North East”. NCD Election Manger said.
Ralai emphasized that election processes are in place to conduct the election throughout the country however in NCD the electoral processes need to be managed efficiently therefore polling has been deferred.
“We will now see that we are not ready to go for polling today until we attend to this process administratively. I appeal to the candidates of all the NCD seats, do not interfere with our election process and administration. Let us deliver to the people of NCD”. Election Manager said.
Mr. Ralai indicated that his office will attend to grievances by candidates and scrutineers first before polling for NCD can begin.
Meanwhile residents around the city expressed disappointment for the deferral as it affects their work and business schedule.
Kila Ralai apologised to partners, stakeholders and the public for the polling deferred.
The new date set for polling for NCD is Friday, 8th July.
