People’s National Congress Party candidates Job Pomat and incumbent Regional member, Charlie Benjamin, remain in the lead after count 16 in both the Open and Regional seats in Manus.
Incumbent Open member Ronny Knight has also climbed up to third spot after count 14 and remained there after count 16.
As of this morning (July 13) , 16 of the 21 boxes were counted. Count 16 is ballot boxes from the Pomutu-Kurti-Andra LLG.
Manus Regional - after count 16
|
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
|
Charlie Benjamin |
People’s National Congress |
4,292 |
|
George Sikin |
People’s Movement for Change Party |
2,478 |
|
Leslie Roai |
National Alliance |
2,226 |
|
Michael Sapau |
Triumph Heritage Empowerment |
1,736 |
|
Sam Tasion |
Independent |
1,347 |
Manus Open - after count 16
|
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
|
Job Pomat |
People’s National Congress |
3,237 |
|
Wep P. Kanawi |
Social Democratic Party |
1,810 |
|
Ronny Knight |
PNG National Party |
1,361 |
|
Rodney Pokapin |
Independent |
1,318 |
|
Jacob G. Jumogot |
Independent |
1,210 |
As for the open seat, total ballot boxes are 19,143. Informal votes were 495.
Counting in the LLGs of Awa-Wuvulu, Balopa, Bisakani- Soparibeu, Lelemadih Bupi Chupei, Lorengau Urban, Nali Sopat Penabu, Nigoherm and Pobuma have been completed while counting will continue for ballot papers from Pomutu-Kurti-Andra LLG.
Counting for the Rapatona and Tetidu LLGs are expected to be done today.
Meanwhile, Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, said counting in Manus Province is progressing well, despite minor hiccups.
This included a signed petition by some scrutineers that were presented to the chairman of Provincial Election Steering Committee, and District Administrator Andrew Posong, on Tuesday.
The petition was over some discrepancies during Polling and counting process.
On Wednesday (July 13) morning, Posong responded to the petition of the scrutineers after consulting the Electoral Commissioner. This was also done after state lawyers currently supervising the counting in the province gave a verbal response to the petition on Tuesday afternoon outside the counting venue in Manus.
Posong’s response to the scrutineers was to allow for the process of counting to continue, as instructed by the Electoral Commissioner, and grievances or issues that they have can be brought to the Court of Disputed Returns.
PPC Manus Chief Inspector David Yapu said this did not go down well, resulting in some of the scrutineers boycotting counting.
PPC Yapu said he warned the scrutineers, supporters and candidates to abide by the instructions from the Electoral Commissioner and allow the counting process to continue and not to cause disruptions or any public disorder.
He said his Joint Security Forces are prepared to deal with issues and asked the scrutineers for common sense, mutual understanding and cooperation.