Counting

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.

Provincial Election Manager, Philip Telape, confirmed with Loop PNG this morning.

He said they were supposed to start on Wednesday but due to problems regarding the payment of polling officials, it was deferred to today.

Telape said they are still waiting for their payment.

More updates to come…

(Loop file pic)

It was scheduled to take place this morning however, due to administrative matters, it has been delayed to later this afternoon at the Bomana Correctional Service.

Returning officer Tabu Vaira said the delay is mainly to do with the submission of returns by the presiding officers.

Vaira confirmed that counting will commence with the ballot boxes from the Hiri LLG.

There are a total of 41 ballot boxes from the four LLGs, Mekeo, Kairuku, Koiari and Hiri.

Numbering in the hundreds, supporters are braving the heat, patiently waiting for the declaration.

They arrived as early as 9am in truckloads and PMVs displaying green shirts and flags as well as decorated vehicles.

Quality checks are currently being held at the counting venue.

The declaration is expected by 3pm today.

Despite a petition by candidates over several issues, the declaration is expected to go ahead.

After the final count 96, Tkatchenko polled 19,926 votes from the total allowable ballot papers of 37,741.

This is 1,054 votes more than the required 50 +1 (18, 871) voter preference to be declared winner.    

“We are trying to work towards counting on Saturday,” says Returning Officer Ronney Havenggau.

He revealed to Loop PNG that some parts of Kikori district are still polling.

Factors that have hindered polling in Gulf include bad weather, transport issues with choppers and the late dispatching of materials.

Moresby North-West - after count 46