As the counting for the Ijivitari by-election progresses, the ousted former Member for the electorate has established a lead of more than 2,500 votes.
The count of the primary votes concluded over the weekend and this week, eliminations began and are continuing.
At around midnight last night after exclusion 16, Mr David Arore was leading with 7,602 votes.
United Resource Party candidate and early leader, John Warisan continues to trail in second spot with 5,034 votes.
Incidentally, Mr. Warisan was the complainant in the election bribery case that ousted Mr Arore.
Two other candidates are still in the running for this parliamentary seat. Sheldon Deilalah who is in third spot with 4,490 votes and Isaiah Mamure on fourth spot with 3,455 votes.
Elimination in the counting is continuing. Counting is expected to be completed today and the winner declared.