Kairuku-Hiri Open counting delayed

Counting for the Kairuku-Hiri Open seat has been delayed this morning due to administrative issues.

Counting ended at midnight yesterday after count 39 and is yet to resume today.

Kairuku-Hiri Returning Officer, Tabu Vaira, said counting of the two last boxes has been on hold due to the delay in payment of allowances for a handful of polling officials, who are also involved in counting.

He says allowance for polling officials is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission.

Vaira confirmed that counting will resume as soon as the assistant election manager for Central Province addresses the officials.

After count 39, incumbent Member and National Alliance candidate Peter Isoaimo maintains lead on 12,904 votes ahead of former Member and People’s National Congress Party candidate Paru Aihi in second place on 10,049 votes.

For the Central Regional seat after count 39 from Kairuku-Hiri Electorate, Independent candidate Robert Agarobe maintains lead on 10,913 votes and incumbent Governor Kila Haoda in second place on 9,118 votes.

Author: 
Quintina Naime