Polling underway for Porgera-Piaela open by-election

Friday, 18 July 2025, 11:13 am

**Aerial view of security personnel moved ballot boxes out of Paiam Police in preparation for polling today.** **(NBC News: Emmanuel Eralia)**

Polling for the much-anticipated Pogera-Paiela Open By-Election officially began today after ballot boxes were securely stored in a shipping container at the Paiam Police Station.

NBC News confirmed that the container was opened in the presence of candidates’ representatives, Electoral Commission officials, security personnel, and members of the public.

A total of 48 ballot boxes have been deployed to their respective polling areas: 19 for Mulitaka LLG, 4 for Pogera Urban LLG, 15 for Pogera Rural LLG, and 10 for Paela Hewa LLG.

An additional 6 boxes allocated for the Nete Lyam region will be used tomorrow, with polling to take place in Tumudan under tight security.