A GOOD number of voters in Western Province were denied opportunity to cast their vote after time catches up with them on Wednesday.
Affected were voters at two polling stations at Noro and Munda. They were part of the long queue which could not cast their votes because of time limitation.
Due to the pressure, Chief Electoral Officer, Polycarp Haununu instructed the Election Manager, Samson Tim to allow voters who arrived before the close of poll to cast their votes, while the rest had to be turned back by Police.
Tim said many people have come out to exercise their democratic rights compared to the past elections, which might have caused the long queue.
He said a polling station at Sasavele in Roviana had experienced similar problems but the Polling Officers managed to complete the process for 300 voters on time.
Tim said, if voters who missed out are not happy, the only way was to for the Electoral Commission to meet or seek the court for clarification.
Despite these hiccups, Tim was happy to see voting throughout the island ended successfully and peacefully.
“I’m very happy to see the voting process complete except for the long queue of voters which disallowed some from casting their votes.
“I want to commend the Police to provide the security during the voting to make it run peacefully and smoothly without any disturbance,” he said.
In the meantime, Tim said counting will start this morning once every ballot boxes are ready in their respective venues.
The Solomon Star understands more supporters of candidates contesting in Ranoggah Simbo, North Vella La Vella, South Vella La Vella and Gizo Kolombangara are expected to pack Gizo to hear the results.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
In Gizo
