Counting Period

After the 12^th elimination, Gordon Wesley (PNC) was leading with 28,426 votes.

1. Gordon Wesley (PNC) - 28,426
2. Tim Neville (NA) - 21,158
3. Titus Philemon (URP) - 20,361
4. Charles Watson Lepani (PNGP) - 12,145
5. Jennifer Rudd (PANGU Pati) - 10,718
6. Charles Abel (ODP) - 8, 993
7. Rex Kaikuyawa (IND) - 8,116

The absolute majority (50%+1) is at 54,959 votes.

This newsroom was informed that Bogia has completed all primary counts and have conducting eliminations since last week. Other districts are still doing primary counts.
 
Most of the counting for the seven seats are being conducted in Madang town, except for Usino Bundi and Bogia.
 
According to security personnel, counting in Bogia and Walium station are running smoothly with declarations expected this week.
 

The school's Deputy Principal Administration Michael Camillus Kavagu, said the schools administration is concerned with the safety of the student while commuting to and from school as counting is underway in the provincial capital, Madang. 

Mr Kavagu said counting for Madang Open is in progress at the school’s Marape Hall.

He said teachers are prepared to teach but are concerned about unconfirmed threats being circulating on social media.

He said Grade 12 students were allowed to come to class because of the Written Expression exam on August 15, 2022.

This has caused slow progressive counting updates since Thursday night. Due to numerous issues regarding counting figures, the Gulf Electoral Office was advised to undergo quality checks for every count before progressive totals are posted. This is to avoid any disputes.

So far, Gulf provincial counting centre have completed the quality check for Kerema Urban, Central Kerema LLG and East Kerema LLG. Checks have also been done for Tairuma and the four Kikori LLGs.

Kerema open has completed all primary counts for all 6 LLGs with quality checks done.

The counting yesterday for Gulf provincial, Kerema and Kikori open seats were delayed for almost a day.

The candidates and scrutineers had confronted the Gulf Electoral Office stating that there were irregularities in the counting and should not continue.

However, counting resumed late yesterday after candidates, supporters and the provincial electoral office reached an understanding. 

As of midday today, PANGU Pati candidate, Thomas Opa is leading the race and still maintains lead since Monday, 25^th July.

The progressive tally for Kerema Open:

Ballot boxes for Central Provincial seat were transferred to Ben Moide Club at Murray Barracks today.

Hiri-Koiari Returning Officer, Leo Ameua, said that before resuming quality checks, sitting arrangements will be reorganized. The number of counting officials will also be reduced.

He said this is to make sure the Open and Regional seat counting areas are not overcrowded.

Sitting governor, Nakikus Konga was ousted in the 16^th Exclusion last night. Jack Voivoi was eliminated in the 17^th Exclusion at 11am and his 11,501 votes were distributed.

Currently underway is the 18 exclusion of Levi Orong, whose 13,447 votes are being distributed to the remaining five candidates.

After the 17^th Exclusion- the progressive tally is:

The last count for MNE, count 84, had sitting MP John Kaupa in the lead.

1. John Kaupa (PANGU Pati) - 5,779
2. Alfred Andapanga Baliawe (IND) - 4,404
3. Dickson Samai (IND) - 3,525
4. Diane Unagi Koiam (ULP) - 3,030
5. Joe Tintin Saraga (PLP) - 2,920

The counting completion rate after count 84 is 41.74%.

Meantime, Moresby North West (MNW) Open suspended counting yesterday as well.

After count 119 yesterday, Lohia Boe Samuel was leading the race.

For Central Kerema LLG Count # 12/47 (Karama, Pukari, Elava and Koaru, Wards 10, 11, 12) as at this morning, the progressive results for Kerema Open are;

1. Thomas Opa (PANGU) - 2,833

2. Teretere Terry Maraka (Ind) - 1,178

3. Nickson Laime Niki (Ind) - 968

4. Roland Alo Kapo (Liberal Party) – 918

5. Koraea Kingsley Lore (Ind) - 772

6. Alex Hearo (ULP) - 713

7. Jack Narrie (Ind) - 426

8. Hekaroa Haroho Pala (Ind) - 365

9. Sieman Farapo (PNG Party) - 352

10. Nori Daniel Arimu (PNGNP) – 246

The progressive tally:

1. Marsh Narewec (PNGDP) – 3,813
2. Asher Patengi Liuliu (Ind) – 2,189
3. Rex Mauri (URP) – 2,055
4. Wayang Kawa (Ind) – 1,952
5. Levi Wartovo (Future of PNG) – 1,395

The boxes in count 21, 22 and 23 were from:

• Wau Rural LLG - Wards 13,14 and 17,18 and 19
• Waria LLG - Wards 9

Ballots yet to be counted are from Waria, wards 10, 15, 16 and 17.