RAIN FAILS TO DAMPEN ELECTION SPIRIT

(May 11th, 2006 No. 81)

Despite the drizzling rain in the Tailevu North areas, voters were not dampened as they turned up in large numbers to cast their votes at their various polling stations.

By noon today, Namena District School Polling Station had recorded 87 votes while Tai District School Polling Station had 49 votes cast.

Waidalice District School had a huge turnout with about 571 people casting their votes.

Presiding office for Waidalice District School Polling Station, Mr. Beranado Mow said that since opening the polls at 8am this morning, people have been queuing to cast their votes.

“It is a good result so far because these people now know that it is their right to vote and the turnout so far from the morning has been really encouraging,” said Mr Mow.

“Waidalice District School Polling Station serves the villages of Naitutu, Davetalevu, Nailega, Veinuqa, Nakalawaca, Lokuya, Telau and that is why we are getting a good response from them.”

He added that the awareness campaign that was carried out to all the settlements and villages before the elections began has paid off as the voters are confident of making their own choice when entering the polling booth.

“It is just that the elderly need a bit of assistance every now and then but other than that things are operating smoothly.”

Polling officials have been assisting the elderly and the sick in casting their votes as well.

“The enthusiasm shown by the voters is really encouraging and it has also made our job easier because we don’t have to wait around for them but they have brought themselves here in time to cast their votes.”

Polling for the Tailevu North areas are being held in Naisaumua, Naiyala, Namena, Sawakasa, Veinuqa and Wailotua primary schools respectively and closes today at 5pm.

-End-