Milne Bay rearing to go to LLG Elections

With the Issue of Writs looming Thursday at 4pm, Milne Bay has reportedly completed its training of returning officers and their assistants who are now making their way back to their respective local level government headquarters.

Two new Local Level Governments from Esa’ala District - Oyatabu and Eyagu - will be part of this year's elections, bringing the total number of LLGs in Milne Bay to 18, up from 16.

Provincial Election Manager Dadu Daga confirms two Returning officers and their assistant returning officers have been appointed to oversee the LLG elections in these new areas and were part of the group that ended an election refresher training workshop in Alotau this week.

Daga couldn’t give us comments on finances for the elections, but he managed to get the Milne Bay Provincial Government to assist them in getting groundwork ready.

"Funding is an issue. we are relying on our provincial government," Daga said.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Benjamin Kua, meantime, has revealed that while they’ve put together a budget, they have not been advised if and when it will be funded and thus, a security plan is pending at this stage for Milne Bay.

Meantime, work on the province’s electoral roll is current, Daga says this will continue through the nomination period and be ready before casting of votes happens.

He confirms they are confident and ready to receive nominations come 4 pm Thursday.