THE bye-election for the Tandai Ward of Guadalcanal Province was dubbed a success.
This followed a high voter turnout and their peaceful participation in the voting process on Wednesday.
A total of 12 polling stations across the ward opened their doors to voters from 7am to 4pm.
This allowed voters to cast their ballot papers for their new Member of Provincial Assembly following the death of the incumbent Jerome Rava on August 1.
The Presiding Officer (PO) for Marara CHS Polling Station in Kakabona, Maria Emos told Solomon Star that it was a peaceful polling day with voters showing up in numbers to cast their ballots.
Ms Emos said, for Marara Polling Station alone, they expected a total of 561 voters and that is a huge number with the potential of determining the outcome of the bye-election result if voters decided to vote for a specific candidate.
Security was also provided by Police throughout the day.
Election Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jasper Anisi has also acknowledged all the voters and officials for the successful polling.
According to the list of the candidates, not all five contenders are from Guadalcanal Province as Tandai Ward is a collection of communities around the Honiara City boundary with multi-ethnic background. Of the five, one is a female.
The candidates include; Universe Panda, Mato Mui, Desmond Iro, Henry Maenu, and Melinda Kii.
The candidates, during their campaigns promised job creation, better healthcare, infrastructure development and a sustainable economic growth that is inclusive and fair.
Counting starts at 10 am today and may go into the early hours of Friday 15 November. The results will be declared as soon as counting process is completed.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
