Election panel vows smooth voting process on Sunday

MOBILE units and prior voting can be organised to ensure that all ballot papers reach polling stations across the country on Sunday, according to the National Election Committee (NEC).

In some areas it takes hours or days to reach polling stations as people must go on foot, so prior voting is possible but must be approved by the district election committee.

Mobile units will be arranged for people who cannot get to polling stations, especially older people, NEC spokesman Dr Somphou Duangsavanh said.

“All polling stations will open at 7am and close at 5pm, after which those in charge of voting must report to the district election committee,” he said.

More than 7,200 polling stations are being set up across the country and voting cards and ballot boxes have been prepared.

Dr Somphou said the results of the election of members of the National Assembly (9th legislature) and Provincial/Capital People’s Councils (2nd legislature) will not be known on the same day (Sunday).

“I think the results will be revealed before the end of this month,” he said, adding it would take days to finalise the whole process before the NEC announces the names of NA and PPC members.

The National Election Committee is monitoring progress by all provinces as they prepare for the election as well as challenges that need to be urgently addressed.

Election committees at all levels are encouraging eligible voters to go to polling stations and are working to ensure the voting process on Sunday takes place amid tight security, with no altered ballots.

Campaigning for seats in the national and provincial legislative bodies is intensifying, with candidates meeting voters and explaining the importance of the election.

In Luang Prabang province, candidates met voters in Nambak and Pak-Ou districts from Feb 13-16 and urged them to vote.

In Bokeo province, voters met with candidates in Paktha district on Tuesday and expressed their eagerness to exercise their right to elect the most qualified candidates to represent their interests.

Voters will elect six out of nine candidates as National Assembly members representing Bokeo and 21 out of 31 candidates as Provincial People’s Council members.