POLLING UPDATES FROM KADAVU

(May 11th, 2006 No. 78)

The province of Kadavu with its geographical location and the islands topographical structure has proved to be a challenge for the polling teams conducting polls around the islands.

Thirteen teams are currently conducting polls with nine teams assigned the tasks of polling and the others as standby teams and box teams.

Two ships are servicing the islands namely the MV Bulou Ni Ceva and the MV Cagi Mai Ba. The latter is servicing the Babatokalau whereas the former caters for the Babaceva.

Both ships departed Suva at midnight Thursday 4th May 2006 and arrived at Vunisea on the morning of Friday 5th May at 0630HRS.

A briefing was carried out at the Provincial Administration Office before the two ships embarked on their journey to the top most islands for the polling proper.

Suffice to say at this point that additional teams got on aboard at Vunisea and these teams are made up of officers based on the island.

Polling proper got under way at 1000HRS Saturday 6th May where nine polling stations were serviced.

Below is a breakdown of the days and the total votes cast so far.

Day number - Total votes cast
Day One - 716
Day Two - 569
Day Three - 728
Day Four - 754
Total so far - 2767

Of the Total above there were: 2766 Fijian Voters and: 1 Indo Fijian Voter.

The progress so far is quite remarkable noting that the teams were able to keep to schedule as briefed by the Provincial Administrator Kadavu, Mr. Eliki Masa.

A team of three personnel from the European Union Observers arrived Tuesday on the noon flight and were briefed by the PA Kadavu about the progress so far.

The team was on board the MV Bulou Ni Ceva on Wednesday 10th May to inspect the opening of boxes and procedures undertaken by polling officials in line with the instructions and guidelines in the Electoral Act.

The team will then inspect the MV Cagi Mai Ba today Thursday 11th May.

There are also three Communications Officer and one Information Officer relaying information to the Eastern Division Headquarters in Suva and the National Media Centre.

The relaying of information can only be conducted at the close of polls each day due to communications problems between the ship based Communications Officers and the Presiding Officers ashore.

The work by these officers has reflected on the Elections website www.elections.gov.fj where the current figures can be viewed and updated daily.

All information is verified first by the PA Kadavu before being dispatched to Suva via E-MAIL, and FAX.

So far the teams are carrying out a good job and are well catered on board the two ships. Nine polling stations are in operation each day for the province

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