By Netani Rika
RAIN has led to a poor turnout of voters across Viti Levu, raising concerns for Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem.
At noon today a number of polling stations had recorded less than 50 per cent turnout. “We are not doing very well in terms of the turnout,” Saneem said. “At Waiqanake District School only 90 of the 579 voters had cast their vote,” he said. “At Kalekana Hall 80 of the 824 turned up.” Chauhan Memorial School polling Station recorded 90 of 678 and Veisari Grounds 300 of 668 voters respectively.
The polling stations are all in the Suva-Lami corridor. In the Western Division Namataku District School recorded 20 of 272 voters while Naviyago Polling Station received six of 118 and Draunitogo Station 20 of 81 voters respectively. Saneem called on voters to take the opportunity to vote.
Prior to election laws enacted before the 2014 election, political parties could transport voters to polling stations.
The parties were also able to set up sheds near polling stations to assist voters. Under new laws voters are responsible for their movements to and from polling stations.