Staff preparing polling materials in Milne Bay (NBC News)
Milne Bay Province is geared to resume the deferred Local Level Government [LLG] elections this weekend, with polling set to kick off on Saturday, pending the timely arrival of final election materials.
This year’s elections will include two newly established LLGs E'yagu and Oyatabu in Esa’ala District:, both of which are participating for the first time following recent ward alignments.
Provincial Returning Officer Dadu Daga expressed confidence that all outstanding materials, including ballot papers, would arrive in time.
“We are ready,” Daga said. “Our materials are still being sorted, and we’re expecting the ballot papers to arrive via charter today [Tuesday]. Once they arrive, along with fuel supplies, our Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) will begin deploying to their respective LLG headquarters.”
Dadu Daga, Provincial Returning Officer for Milne Bay province (NBC News)
He confirmed that all 18 Assistant Returning Officers have been in Alotau this week to collect necessary materials, including rations, fuel, and operational allowances, ahead of the official start of polling.
“The polling schedule has already been finalized and sent to Port Moresby for endorsement. That will guide our operations over the two weeks of polling,” Daga said.
He urged all eligible voters across the province to verify their polling venues and make time to vote.
“This is your democratic right, your only opportunity to elect your local representatives,” he said. “Please check where you are registered and go out and cast your vote.”
Daga assured the public that E'yagu and Oyatabu, have been formally included in the 2025 LLG Elections after successfully completing ward alignment processes.
Polling across Milne Bay Province is expected to proceed over a two-week period, barring logistical delays.
