THE ballot boxes for West New Georgia and Vona Vona constituency have to be kept at Noro Lodge overnight due to bad weather conditions in the province.

Returning officer for the constituency Christina Mamupio told Solomon Star that all ballot boxes for the constituency have been successfully retrieved from their polling stations, slightly later than anticipated, but due to weather conditions and logistical reasons, the boxes had to be kept at Noro Lodge overnight under the watchful eyes of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force before they are transported to Gizo for counting this morning.

Mrs. Mamupio said the geographical challenges and the time required for polling officials to sort through documents are factors contributing to the delays.

Meanwhile, the RSIPF in Noro and Munda has intensified visible patrols in all polling stations to ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral process.

By ULUTAH GINA,
Solomon Star, Gizo