A large number of voters have turned up at the Vaitele EFKS Petelema church hall to vote in the Faleata No.3 constituency.

The Vaimauga and Faleata constituencies are the biggest, with voter rolls exceeding 5000. Reports from these constituencies showed large voter turnouts.

At the Vaitele EFKS Petelema church hall, the voter line was stretching to the church gate at 9 am, with many bearing the hot sun.

Voters said they have been waiting since 7 am. There were elderly voters and some in wheelchairs.

Journalist Bethel Ale reported similar scenes at various polling booths in the Vaimauga and the Faleata constituencies.

One voter, Peter Tiai, said he came to the EFKS church hall in Vaitele Fou at 5 am, and there were people already there.

At 10 am, he still had not cast his vote. He said he went home to get some food and hydrate, and then returned to exercise his right and ensure he does not get fined for not voting.