COUNTING: Kairuku-Hiri counting suspended

Counting for the Kairuku-Hiri Open seat has been suspended for an indefinite period.

Counting officials stopped the elimination process after exclusion 17 over nonpayment of their allowances.

Counting was officially suspended at 3pm today by Kairuku-Hiri returning officer Tabu Vaira.

Vaira said at the moment, he cannot do much as he has already advised the Electoral Commission about the issue.

He stated that counting will resume on Wednesday morning however, this will depend on the counting officials if they decide to continue and if their issue is addressed.

The ballot boxes were sealed by Vaira, witnessed by the scrutineers.

Results for the top five after elimination 17:

Kairuku-Hiri Open - after elimination 17

CANDIDATE

PARTY

TALLY

Peter Isoaimo

National Alliance

13,893

Paru Aihi 

People's National Congress 

 10,670

Steven John Manai

PANGU

7,150

Scott Boio Morata 

Independent 

5,134

Gabriel Nicholas 

People's Progress Party 

4,815

 

 

The total ballot papers remaining in count are 56,847.

10 candidates are left in the race.

(Picture by KENNEDY BANI)

     

Author: 
Quintina Naime