The Ialibu Pangia electoral office has recorded just 9 candidates who have nominated so far to contest the 2017 national elections as of midday today.
This includes the sitting member and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill who nominated last Friday to retain his seat.
Returning officer, Michael Ariando is expecting one or two more nominations before the close at 4:06pm today.
Ariando is looking at least 11 candidates for the Ialibu Pangia electorate this election compared to 2012 when the total number of candidates contesting was just 8, one of the lowest in the country.
Nominations up there he says has been quiet as the nomination week winds down.
The candidates who have nominated so far to run against the big fish include;
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Peter O’Neill – PNC
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Leonard Pangepea – Independent
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Jack Kambiria Tulia – Independent
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Prof Dr. Sam Sirox Kari – New Generation Party
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Simon Yopai – Pro GRUF Party
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Justus Nambi Rapula – Independent
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Stanley Kuli Liria – Independent
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John Wama
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Tom Tua Yasa
The confirmed list of candidates for this electorate will be up by the close of nominations today.
Photo: Ialibu Pangia Returning Officer, Michael Ariando (right) accepting Peter O'Neill's nomination in Pangia last week.