The ongoing measles epidemic in Samoa has prompted the government to announce the closure of all government services  this Thursday and Friday so public servants can assist with the country's mass vaccination campaign. Only warer and electricity services will continue operating. 53 people have died as a result of the…

By Netani Rika, Port Moresby A NEW phenomenon has emerged in the Bougainville referendum - Balfies. Defined as a voter taking a selfie with their ballot paper, the trend has taken off, sparking concern among poll officials. Today voters were warned to refrain from posting pictures of marked ballot papers…

By Netani Rika, Buka-: Bougainville VOTERS with special needs have received quick, relevant assistance in the Bougainville Referendum. This is despite the absence of ramps at many polling stations. Observer Makereta Waqavonovono of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat monitoring group said there were no facilities for pregnant women or mothers…

From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville HEAVY rain and rough seas overnight have delayed the delivery of ballot boxes and voting officials to a number of small atolls off the Bougainville coast. Bougainville Referendum Commissioner, Mauricio Claudio, said the vote would take place on the atolls once staff could be…

From NETANI RIKA, Buka, Bougainville TEARS of joy flowed down Francesca Semoso’s cheeks as she cast her vote in the Bougainville Referendum. Overcome by emotion, the Deputy Speaker of the Autonomous Bougainville House of Representatives leaned against the ballot box and in true Melanesian tradition, she wailed. It was a…