Finschhafen Open

Paita signs writ

He was accompanied by Lae Member-elect, John Rosso, and a large number of supporters, who braved the downpour to witness the event.

Paita was declared at 7pm yesterday at the Finschhafen Technical School with 23,504 votes, exceeding an absolute majority of 16,121.

His runner up was Theo Zurenuoc, who polled 4,157 votes.

After signing the writ with the Returning Officer, Fredah Joses, Paita apologised on behalf of his people for creating a difficult environment for the RO and her officials.

Paita Declared

His votes exceed the absolute majority of 16,121.

Quality checks for the 5 LLGs concluded this evening at the Finschhafen Technical School hall, where it was confirmed that Paita was far ahead with a margin of 19,347 votes.

Running behind was Theo Zurenuoc with 4,157 votes.

In third place was Boas Sengi Qosec with 2,114 votes, fourth was Richard Peter Mare with 656 votes, and fifth place was Wamung Waliong with 400 votes.

Paita was not in Finschhafen when the Returning Officer, Fredah Joses, made the declaration at 7pm.

Zurenuoc withdraws petition against Paita

Former Speaker of parliament and Finschhafen MP, Theodore Zurenuoc, withdrew the petition he filed against current MP, Rainbo Paita, today.

The petition also filed by runner-up in the Telefomin Open seat, Peter Iwei, against re-elected MP Solan Mirisin, was withdrawn.

These two petitions are among 77 filed in court.

Meanwhile, the legal representation of the Electoral Commission in some petitions filed, continues to disrupt the progress of the cases progressing to directions in prepration for trial.

A look at the Finschhafen Open final numbers

Morobe Provincial Election Manager Simon Soheke confirmed with Loop PNG that after exclusion 40, the sitting MP only managed to collect 8, 239 votes.

He said the absolute majority is 8, 801.

The Pangu Party candidate was declared at 5pm this afternoon by Returning Officer Eassing Ulam.

COUNTING: Finschhafen Open progressive results – after exclusion 35

Zurenuoc, who is the current MP, has his back against the wall as Paita collected more votes compared to him in the elimination counts yesterday.

There was a 51-vote difference between both candidates, before start of elimination 29 on Monday.