Security is expected to be beefed up inside the counting venue in Manus following threats of a mass walk out and stop to counting for the both the Regional and Open seats.
Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said he has instructed his joint security force personnel to secure the Sahart counting centre.
Loop PNG was informed of certain candidates’ scrutineers alleging foul play during counting.
PPC Yapu confirmed that the chairman of the Provincial Election Steering Committee will be addressing those scrutineers and receive their petition.
Counting officials were on break at the time this report was published.
In the meantime, counting has progressed to count 10 for both the Regional and Open seats.
Count 10 are ballot boxes from Log Negros.
Incumbent Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin remains in the lead after count 10 while in the Manus Open seat, fellow PNC candidate Job Pomat is also ahead.
Manus Regional
|
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
|
Charlie Benjamin |
People’s National Congress |
2,142 |
|
Leslie Roai |
National Alliance |
1,696 |
|
George Sikin |
People’s Movement for Change Party |
1,651 |
|
Sam Masakuman Tasion |
Independent |
953 |
|
Norman Sike |
People’s Progress Party |
854 |
Manus Open
|
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
|
Job Pomat |
People’s National Congress |
1,993 |
|
Wep P. Kanawi |
Social Democratic Party |
1,365 |
|
Rodney Pokapin |
Independent |
1,086 |
|
Ronnie Knight |
PNGNP |
846 |
|
Jacob G. Jumogot |
Independent |
778 |
Count 11, 12 and 13 will be from the Nali Penabu LLG. There are 21 ballot boxes in total for counting.
More update to come today.