By WASITA ROYAL
Frustration and anger erupted at the Rababath Ward polling booth in Livuan LLG as numerous eligible voters, including those with a history of participation in past elections, were turned away after discovering their names were missing from the electoral roll. Candidate Robert Billy condemned the situation as a systemic failure and a violation of democratic principles.
Robert Billy, a former ward councilor now contesting the Livuan LLG presidential seat, watched in dismay as loyal voters were denied their right to vote. He stated “These are our people who have been voting in past elections, yet today they are told they cannot participate.”
The former ward member revealed that while the eligible voting population estimate for the area is around 15,000, the official electoral roll for the entire Livuan LLG lists only came out as 8,523 eligible voters. From the opening of polls this morning, a significant number of people were systematically disenfranchised.
Billy placed the blame squarely on the Electoral Commission, emphasizing that its duty to maintain an accurate roll was especially critical after the elections had already been deferred multiple times.
Robert Billy, a candidate with deep community roots, described the disenfranchisement as more than just a personal political setback. For him, it represents a direct challenge to the community’s fundamental right to representation.