Malaita voters go to the polls today to elect new provincial leaders

Malaita voters in wards 6 to 30 have gone to the polls this morning to elect new provincial assembly leaders that will steer the most populated island over the next term

The elections is convened now after being deferred on two separate occasions due to lack of funding and delays in distribution of ballot boxes to the respective polling centres. Provincial Secretary Harold Leka has assured people that preparations for the elections have taken place and today's event will eventuate.

Meanwhile, the results for winning candidates from wards 6 to 30 are expected to be known tomorrow. The first assembly meeting should take place from 22-26 January during which new provincial members will be sworn in, a new speaker elected, undergoing an induction course, and the election of a premier.