At least three nominated candidates contesting the Goilala open seat this year are non-Goilala.
James Tossip of Highlands origin nominated last week with 5 other candidates including former member Mathew Poia and John Mona, brother of late member Daniel Mona.
Gilbert Goi also of Highlands origin nominated today. His nomination was the first of the day. Augustine Mark was the second nomination for Goilala Open, today, as of 12pm.
Bruce Mamando, is the third non-Goilala to have nominated today. He is running under the People’s National Congress (PNC) party. He was a rugby league player who represented PNG in the 1995 and 2000 World Cups and a long-time businessman in Goilala district.
Another candidate Gabriel Mavai, a local, also nominted this afternoon bringing the total number of candidates for Goilala Open to 15 as of 4pm.
Sitting member William Samb nominated yesterday. Also did the only female contesting Goilala Open Mathilda Tagu Koma.
More candidates are expected to nominate in the coming days.
Picture: Goilala Open Candidate Bruce Mamando, filling form 23 at Konedobu, this afternoon; by Tony Avaut (sourced)