LLG election in East Sepik is running smoothly, says RO

Local Level Government elections in East Sepik Province are running smoothly, with more than 90 percent of polling and counting completed.

Provincial Returning Officer Richard Kaiban said polling began on the October 27 for districts including Wewak, Yangoru-Saussia, Wosera-Gawi, and Maprik, while Angoram and Ambunti-Dreikikir started late due to logistical and security delays.

Kaiban said Maprik Urban and Boikin LLGs have already completed counting, and all ballot boxes from Yangoru-Saussia have been returned to the Provincial Electoral Office in Wewak.

Counting has also started in Ambunti-Dreikikir, with one LLG progressing well, though bad weather has delayed counting in Kawanga and Dreikikir. Angoram is expected to complete polling this week and begin counting soon after.

Provisional declarations for ward members have been made, while official declarations for 28 LLG Presidents and 667 Ward Councillors will follow once counting is complete and results are confirmed.

Kaiban said East Sepik has an estimated 300,000 eligible voters, with only minor security issues reported in Tunap-Hunstein and Keram areas and no major election-related incidents across the province.

Election officials say the process has been peaceful and well-coordinated overall.