Election preparations in Makira-Ulawa Province are progressing smoothly ahead of Wednesday’s poll.
Electoral manager Gilbert Tabihau confirmed this to the Sunday Star.
He said ballot papers and boxes have arrived and have been deployed to respective polling stations.
“We have also deployed polling officials for their briefing in their respective polling stations within the three constituencies,” Tabihau said.
On security, he said Makira-Ulawa does not have enough police officers.
“There will be police officers around but we are not anticipating any problems during the election,” he said.
He said the province has a total of 74 polling stations, but there are only 63 officers working in the province.
“There will be some polling stations that need several officers, but we hope and believe that there will be peace and order on polling day,” he added.
A total of 34 candidates are contesting the four seats in the province – 10 for West Makira, 13 for Central Makira, eight for East Makira, and three for Ulawa Ugi.
Nineteen of the candidates are contesting as independents.
Only one woman, Everlyn Kahia is contesting the elections. She is vying for the Central Makira seat under the banner of People Alliance Party.
Deployment of 222 polling officials, and 63 police/security officers started Friday.
CHARLEY PIRINGI
in Kirakira
