ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Unpaid election staff growing angrier

Electoral officials in Moresby South are expressing increasing anger and frustration over delayed payments, with some reportedly nearing the point of taking drastic action. For two weeks, these officials have been repeatedly told to return the next day for their wages, despite assurances that payment would be made within three days of the vote counting concluding.

The situation has led to a tense atmosphere outside the Electoral Commission Office in Boroko. Yesterday, around 5 p.m., approximately 20 officials, including mothers with children, were present. They claim that over 600 individuals are each owed payment for more than 100 hours of work, calculated at K5.85 per hour.

When approached for comment, Moresby South Returning Officer Victor Gabi stated he required approval from the Electoral Commissioner to make any statement. A liaison officer, Mr. Fred Levo, indicated a lack of cooperation between returning officers and the Electoral Commission, further complicating the issue.

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Mr Arua Taravatu, from Hanuabada, said that when counting of votes ended, the Electoral Commission had said they would be paid within three days. But since last Wednesday they had been shuffled back and forth between Konedobu and Boroko.