Counting

Madang Counts Not Yet Started

Sakipa added that they are yet to train the counting officials because the logistical support for this is slow in coming through. 
 
Meantime, Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang has been receiving situation reports from police personnel attached with polling teams. He said most of the districts in Madang have completed polling. Polling in Nayudo LLG in Rai Coast and Gama LLG in Usino Bundi were the only delays as polling teams in these areas needed to be airlifted. 
 

Officials attacked, ballot papers burnt

Frustration started mounting when voters found out that their names were not on the electoral roll.

Hundreds of residents turned on the counting officials, who ran away for fear of their safety.

The crowd then grabbed the election materials, smashed ballot boxes and burnt the ballot papers.

An eyewitness told this newsroom that a tractor was also burnt while the Electoral Commission container was ransacked.

Candidates Petition For Recount

The petitioners led by candidates, Felix Kua and Dacca Wagai presented their appeal to Provincial Returning Officer, Emily Kelton, calling for a recount of the Hoskins LLG ballot boxes

Kua said that they want to clear up certain matters regarding counting, and with the amount of effort, they have put into ensuring this election runs smoothly and safely, it is necessary to ensure there will be a newly elected member.

Manus Day 2 of Counting

These are the results after the first two counts for Manus Regional first five:

  1. Charlie Benjamin leads - 276
  2. George Sikin - 126
  3. James Kiele – 111
  4. Kepo Pomat - 57
  5. David Aussel - 36

Counts for the Manus Open seat first five:

  1. Leslie Roai - 348
  2. Job Pomat – 260
  3. Dr. Peter Petsul – 45
  4. Rodney Pokapin – 23
  5. Ronny Knight – 23

Day two of the counting is underway with ballot papers from the Balopa LLG. 

Basil Jnr leaps ahead: Count 1

Bulolo Open

  1. Sam Basil Jnr – 1,907
  2. Russel Yakam – 664
  3. Greg Konjip – 459
  4. Noel Zasu – 245
  5. Tae Guambelek – 172

Morobe Regional

  1. Kemas Tomala – 1,711
  2. Luther Wenge – 546
  3. Joshua Menos – 414
  4. Ginson Saonu – 386
  5. Jennifer Baing – 219

Counting was suspended at 9pm yesterday (July 15th). It is set to resume today (July 16th) in Bulolo district.

Maru Leads Yangoru-Saussia First Count

Running second is independent candidate, Micah Vines with 1274 votes and third is former MP, Peter Wararu Waranaka with 872 votes. 

The only female candidate, Monica Hasimani, who is among the 16 males scored only one vote in the first count. 

According to Yangoru Saussia Returning officer, Francis Kambaka the counting continues today. 

 

Mr Kambaka said counting commenced late yesterday at  East Yangoru Council Chambers at Yangoru station. 

He said the counting officials had gone through a one-day training on Wednesday and started counting yesterday.

Milne Bay prepares for counting

All eyes and ears will be focused on the various counting locations in Alotau.

As of midday yesterday the Huhu Informal Market building was a hive of activity as Milne Bay Electoral Officers sorted out names of counting officials, allocated them to their various locations for counting and began training counting officials.

According to Assistant Returning Officer Ana Dugumi, the Milne Bay Regional Seat, Alotau, Samarai Murua, Esaala and Kiriwina Good Enough Open Seats will all be counted in Alotau at various venues.

Polling winding down across the county: Sinai

Sinai updated the media on the mid polling period and completion of polling in the country.  He shared that polling has started well in the 22 provinces and in 118 electorates. 

“Since we started on the 4th of July, the updates from last week till today show that polling has been done in 15 provinces across the country and polling is completed in 4 of the provinces which are Hela in the highlands region, East New Britain and New Ireland in NGI, and NCD in Southern region,” he shared.

Central Prepares For Counting

Ballot boxes are being extracted from respective polling areas. According to the Election Manager, Peter Malaifeope, counting commences tomorrow.

“Counting is starting tomorrow and Friday. The maximum days for counting will be seven days and minimum of five days,” he said.

Counting for Kairuku Open will be at Murray Barracks, Hiri-Koiari electorate will also be at the Murray Barracks but a different vicinity.

The Bomana Training College is counting venue for Central Provincial, Rigo, Goilala Open and Abau counting.

Dr Marat Leads After Count 3

Counting started with Ballot Box 3, containing votes from Volavolo, Ratavul, Karavia, Pilapila and Ratung wards in Balanataman LLG.

After Count 3, the progressive total votes: