Former Member for Ijivitari Open, David Arore has jumped to the lead in the Ijivitari By-Election.
Arore, who is the candidate for the ruling People’s National Congress Party (“PNC”), wrestled the lead from United Resource Party candidate John Warisan, who had led since counting began.
After the completion of Count 23, Arore leads with 4378 votes.
Count 23 to 27 are for ballot boxes within the Afore LLG area, known stronghold for Arore.
He is therefore expected to build up a significant lead.
Another candidate, Sheldon Deilalah is also from the Afore LLG and is also expected to fare well.
Arore collected 638 votes in count 23 to jump to the lead while Warisan could only muster 69 votes.
Warisan is in second place with 4165 with Sheldon Deilalah in third on 3217 votes.
Independent candidate Richard Maisere is fourth with 3085 while Isiah Manure is on fifth spot with 1366 votes.
Counting will proceed to Safia LLG after Afore.
Safia LLG has 4 ballot boxes to be counted.
Counting for the first preferential votes is expected to be completed within the next couple of days after which eliminations begin.