Voting in East Are'Are and North Malaita Constituencies bye-elections have closed with reports of peaceful and smooth voting at most polling stations.

A total of ten candidates contested the North Malaita seat, while four contested the East Are'Are seat.

Speaking to the National Broadcaster, SIBC, at the close of elections yesterday afternoon, Jason Oihanua, a school teacher at Manawai in East Are'Are, said yesterdays voting in Ward 19 had no disturbances.

Meanwhile North Malaita has also reported a peaceful voting day and SIBC stringer John Kiri reports election officials in Mbita'ama had also reported a high voter turnout.

All ballot boxes from both constituencies are being transported to Malaita's provincial capital, Auki for counting.

Counting will start today and with results expected later in the afternoon.