Counting

The strike commenced as of last night and today as disgruntled officials comprising of scrutineers, polling and counting officials gathered at the counting venue just after midday at Murray Barracks to air their frustrations.

They called on the Central Provincial Electoral Office to pay all outstanding payment as of this afternoon before counting can proceed at 6pm.

A concerned scrutineer, Simon Aitsi called for the speed up of payment on behalf of the counting officials.

The update are as follows:

Regional - Count 39, the top Top 5:

1.Robert Agarobe - 9368 (PANGU Pati)

2.Rufina Peter - 7357 ( PNC)

3.Nelson Saroa - 4654 (Ind)

4.James Enage - 4280 (Ind)

5.Scott Morata - 3960 (NA)

Kairuku

Count 21-Gabadi, the top top 5:

Finschhafen district started counting this morning at the Finschhafen Technical School, where the five LLGs of Finschhafen Urban, Kotte, Yabim-Mape, Hube and Burum-Kuat counted separately.

The results were then combined and the progressive tally was written on a big board facing Gagidu market.

The progressive tally of count 2:

Assistant Returning Officer, Tawas Nasinom, said Nabak, Labuta and Wain-Erap have already completed theirs, while Nawaeb Urban has two ballot boxes remaining.

When that is done, they will go into elimination.

“Definitely tomorrow, eliminations will start,” Nasinom said.

The progressive tally:

1. Theo Pelgen (PFP) – 5,772
2. Romeo Momo (Ind) – 4,884
3. Kennedy Wenge (PANGU) – 3,592
4. Missian Gware (ULP) – 3,441
5. Samson Timson (PNC) – 3,254 

1. Peter Namea Isoaimo (NAP) – 6,432
2. Paru Aihi (PNC) – 3,830
3. Allan Aoka Keagaimo – 3,050
4. Seline Leo Lohia (ILP) – 2,033
5. Philip Vaki (Ind) – 1,646

Total ballot papers counted were 26,518. 

The last minute rush causing the delay has frustrated candidates, supporters and the Gulf community. 
In an earlier meeting with the provincial electoral officers, candidates raised concern on the slow progress of counting preps and called for a speed up before the return of writs on 29th July. 

According to sources from the provincial government, most counting venues are undergoing preparation since yesterday and works continue today and tomorrow. 
The Gulf electoral office has given assurance that counting will commence on Monday without any further delay. 

After 2.30am this morning, the progressive tally is:

1. Marsh Narewec (PNGD) – 1,251
2. Levi Wartovo (Future of PNG) – 543
3. Asher Patengi Liuliu (Ind) – 504
4. Boto Gaupu (PNC) – 413
5. Wayang Kawa (Ind) – 412

This is count 8 of 25.

Wards counted:

• Wau Urban LLG: All boxes counted
• Wau Rural LLG: Wards 1, 2 and 20
• Waria LLG: Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4

After Count 4 for the Open seat (Rigo District) leads with the candidate:

1. Vikki Mossine (Future of PNG Party) 997 votes
2. Turai Elemi from (National Alliance Party) with 762 votes
3. Fred Silona (PNC) – 429 polling votes
4. Ano Pala from (Pangu Pati) – 423 votes
5. Kila Sibona Kila (Independent) – 368 votes

Meanwhile, Abau district is now on count 6, leading is:

Finschhafen Returning Officer, Fredah Joses, outlined two main reasons behind the decision:

1. Time is against them (Return of writs on July 29^th), and
2. Ongoing security issues within the electorate

 Joses said the decision was reached after an incident occurred between 1.30 and 2am this morning.

“After consultation with security forces following the incident, that is currently being investigated, the decision was made,” Joses said.

According to one of the counting officers, Tani Tarube, met with Returning officer, Leo Ameua, to address the allowance issue this morning.

“We came in the morning and waited for the Returning officer and ARO, the counting officials were concerned about their allowances. We want answers before we will proceed with counting,” he said.              

Counting officials mentioned that they will count the last six ballot boxes for Vanapa Brown and will suspend counting for a while before they begin counting from Hiri starting with Manu Manu village.