Dede Sophie

Over five million people are expected to cast their votes throughout Papua New Guinea  this and next week in the 2022 polls. The PNG Electoral Commission has reported a generally good turnout on day one of polling day throughout the country. Ballot boxes prepared for polling in PNG Simon Sinai told the NBC Government Talkback Show, that all provinces with scheduled polling days today started, except for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. He said, “In general, at least there are one or two electorates that have started their polling in all the provinces which is a good sign.” Mr. Sinai said the other issues of the late start to polls, names missing on the rolls, among others, are common issues in every election. He was responding to questions about certain provinces whose polling didn’t commence as planned for today. Mr. Sinai said “Some issues if you like you know it’s on the roll and people waiting on the line and some they don’t find their names...

The Papua New Guinea  Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has called for the Parliamentary Grand Chief title, to be bestowed upon New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan. Sir Julius Chan  Sir Bob issued this call when addressing the opening of the 11th National Parliament this morning. He said the Grand Chief title should be given to Sir Julius Chan as the last man standing, from the founding fathers of Papua New Guinea. Sir Julius was a two term Prime Minister from 1980 to 1982, and later from 1994 to 1997, after entering politics during the House of Assembly as the MP for Namatanai in 1968. NBC News / PNG Today Next :  SP PNG Hunters Coach Church to depart

Fiji  Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has moved quickly to ensure exiled University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, returns to Fiji as soon as possible. He has also acted to assist Dr Padma Lal, widow of the late Professor Brij Lal, to bring the ashes of the famed academic back home to Fiji from Australia. She too had been refused entry to Fiji, along with her late husband. Dr Padma Lal, with late Professor Brij Lal. Photo: ANU/Fiji Times “I am ready to meet Dr Lal and Professor Ahluwalia personally,” said Rabuka. “I will apologise on behalf of the people of Fiji for the way they were treated.” Rabuka said he had promised his government would bring to an end the injustices suffered by Professor Ahluwalia, and Professor Brij Lal. These made headline news. He affirmed today that the Vice Chancellor and Dr Lal are now free to enter the country.” Dr Lal had been prevented from coming to Fiji with her husband’s ashes for them to be taken to his birth-place at T...