Robert is still leading the race but with Poia closing in – in an 8-vote difference – as of 3:30pm today.
Counting for Goilala Open has been suspended for a short recess after count 16.
Incumbent sitting member William Samb still holding on at the fifth spot.
Loop PNG visited the counting venue at the Gordon Police Barracks gymnasium.
Following are the progressive results after count 16.
Goilala Open - after count 11
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
Alex Hoem Robert |
National Alliance |
1,549 |
Mathew Poia |
PNG Conservative Party |
1,541 |
Peter Normai |
People's Progress Party |
1,478 |
Gabriel Onne Mavai |
ODP |
1,169 |
William Samb |
PANGU |
644 |
24 ballot papers were informal from a total of 9,537 papers counted so far.
Returning Officer Theodore Maia commended the counting officials for working diligently at a good pace without any interruptions.
Villages Erume and Pomutu have been covered as of count 16. The resumption will see the final boxes of Tapini LLG – Joa, Loloipa and Pilitu – covered tonight.
In the meantime, progressive result for Central Province regional from Goilala District as of count 16 this afternoon is:
Central Provincial - after count 11
CANDIDATE |
PARTY |
TALLY |
Rufina Peter |
TPNGP |
5,144 |
Alphonse Moroi |
People's Labor Party |
2,051 |
Robert Agarobe |
Independent |
1,225 |
Boe Eno Daera |
Independent |
462 |
William Dickson Marabu |
Pan Melanesian Congress Party |
144
|
There were 46 informal ballot papers from a total of 9,596 ballot papers counted so far.
RO Maia said counting will be suspended after final four teams from the Tapini LLGs are covered tonight.