2017 PNG National Elections

After the final count of box 96 by 6 am today quality check was to be carried out however this was delayed due to issues raised by scrutineers and their candidates.

Meantime candidates of Moresby South have petitioned the Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, to halt quality checks immediately.

They allege foul play during the counting process in which their scrutineers were not present when counting was done at night for up to 60 ballot boxes.

However, Loop PNG understands that the quality checks will go ahead tomorrow.

Returning officer Tabu Vaira confirmed that counting will commence on Wednesday, 12 July after a delay due to the late arrival of a polling team from the Mekeo LLG.

The ballot boxes are currently locked up in two containers at the counting venue at the Bomana CS Gym.

Vaira said the presiding officers submitted their returns today while his team has set up the counting venue in preparation for counting.

Meantime, counting is scheduled to take place from 8am to 11pm every day with only one shift consisting of about 50 counting officials.

It was suspended after scrutineers filed a petition over alleged discrepancies in counting.

State lawyers engaged in supervising counting responded to the scrutineers petition verbally after lunch however they insisted on a written response to their petition.

They are part of the Provincial Election Steering Committee.

Officials arrived at the Sir John Guise Stadium at 4pm and underwent security checks by security personnel on ground before proceeding into the counting venue.

​ The count in Moresby North East commenced on Monday at 10pm after much delay over officials’ allowance.

Then at 6:10am this morning the counting was suspended after count 6 from the Korobosea polling booths.

At the end of count 6, sitting MP, Labi Amaiu was on fifth spot with 136 votes.

This is after a week of delay in counting for the electorate.

The first preliminary results show after count 1;

John Kaupa leads with 92 votes followed by Joetintin Sina Saraga on 81 votes.

Brian Kombe is in third place with 21 votes, Andrew Mald is running fourth with 20 votes and Joel Eremugo is in fifth place with 19 votes.

There were 131 votes cast, with 21 informal and 292 allowable votes.

Meantime counting will still progress with the next five boxes for the electorate.

Stayed tuned for results on Loop PNG.

Count 74 will start shorty as the next group of counters make their way to sign in and take their seats tonight.

Progressive results as of 8pm tonight are as follows;

Powes Parkop is still in the lead with 7, 852 votes,  Andy Bawa is second placed with 3, 739 votes followed by Michael Kandiu on 3,548 votes.

Running in fourth place is Babani Ono Maraga with 1,467 votes followed by Mairi Gaigo Homosi at 1, 447 votes in fifth place.

Meantime, count 74 is now in motion and results will be posted at a later update.

Stay tuned to more updates on Loop PNG.

Leading the count is Henry Urai with 1,594 votes followed by Malakai Tabar with 1,155 votes.

Meantime in third place is Benard Lukara with 947 votes.

Counting is still progressing in the district and results will be posted on a later update.

More on Loop PNG.

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