Opposition Leader and Kandep MP Don Polye takes a commanding lead after count 23 for the Court directed recount of the Kandep Open seat on Sunday afternoon.
Polye leads the pack with 8,131 votes, followed by Alfred Manase on 2,955 votes and in third position is Herman Anep with 1,286 votes.
The recount started on Saturday after lunch following continuous delay caused by unavailability of a counting venue and also action by supporters of the sitting MP who claimed that the ballot boxes was tempered with.
Enga Provincial Police Commander George Kakas confirmed that the recount started on Saturday after it did not eventuate last Friday when the Opposition leader Don Polye, led a procession into Wabag to demand a fair and transparent recount of the Kandep Open seat.
“The recount was supposed to have taken place the previous week on Thursday 22nd Sept 2016 when it was aborted and deferred to last week Friday by supporters of Polye over basically the same reason.”
PPC Kakas said the counting is now progressing well without disruption since its commencement.
“I have 100 men on the ground consisting of 35 men squad of MS 6 Personnel, 35 men Task Force, and 40 men Public Safety Division personnel.
“Security is tight and under control, although there are a large number of supporters going around.
“I have warned all parties to ensure that their supporters are restrained.”
Picture source: Enga PPC George Kakas.