Yangoru-Saussia Open

The People's National Congress Party candidate maintained his grip on power after the final elimination this evening.

Returning Officer Martin Wana told Loop PNG at 8:40pm: "I will shortly make a declaration on our sitting member Richard Maru.

"He polled 16,264 to win the Yangoru-Saussia seat, his runner-up on 9,696, (National Alliance Party candidate) Peter Wararu."

In the 2012 National Election, Maru unseated Wararu for his first term as an MP.

(Loop file pic)

According to Returning Officer Martin Wana, the allegations surfaced after certain candidates did not collect estimated votes in certain areas, which they claimed is their stronghold.              

Wana told Loop PNG that the claims are outrageous because polling at all venues in the district was held outdoors and during the day.

The RO added that the candidates tried to use this allegation to ask for a recount of the boxes.

“A recount is impossible until a court order is served,” Wana said.

Returning Officer Martin Wana told Loop PNG that this is beyond his control. He is hoping the PNG Electoral Commission in Port Moresby will pay the POs’ allowances.   

He confirmed that the counting for the 19 ballot boxes was completed yesterday and the sitting MP maintains a 7,792 voter margin, from the former MP who he unseated in the 2012 National Elections.

This is the progressive tally of the top three candidates, after completion of count 19 primary votes yesterday at Yangoru Station.