Manus Open

Progressive results from count 13:

MANUS REGIONAL

1. CHARLIE BENJAMIN – PANGU PATI – 3360
2. GEORGE SIKIN – PNC – 1717
3. DAVID AUSSEL – ULP – 1383
4. KEPO POMAT – INDEPENDENT – 707
5. JAMES KIELE – PNG PARTY – 456

MANUS OPEN

The concerns at hand that led to the suspension of counting were raised by regional candidates Kepo Pomat (Independent) and David Aussel (ULP) at the Manus Counting Center, before counting was scheduled to start.

Manus Election Manager and Provincial Returning Officer Tony Balema and the Provincial Election Steering Committee (PESC) resolved to have the candidates present evidence to support the allegations.

The candidates said an investigation must be conducted upon receiving the evidence.

Meanwhile counting remains suspended.

This follows the elimination of National Alliance candidate Leslie Roai who polled 4681 votes after the 24th exclusion.

His ballot papers were distributed between Benjamin and People’s Movement for Change candidate, George Sikin.

Benjamin collected a total of 7,371 votes to secure the seat.

Meantime for the Manus Open seat PNC also managed to come home with another candidate in the likes of Job Pomat.

Job Pomat managed to secure 6,844 votes to be take the seat.

In the Manus open seat, Professor Peter Petsul has jumped into third place, replacing incumbent Manus MP Ronny Knight who was on that spot at the end of court 16 this morning.

Another major change since count 16 for the Manus regional seat is PNG Constitutional Democratic Party candidate, Martin Kele-eh Warek who moved into the top five and is sitting on the fifth place.

Manus regional seat- after count 18      

Manus Election Manager, Sponsa Navi, told Loop PNG that both current members of the province have not yet nominated.

He said in the Regional seat, 10 candidates have nominated while 12 candidates have nominated to run for the Open seat.

Those who nominated for the Manus Regional Seat include;  Ken Kuso, George Sikin, Francis Kari Masu, Qwentan Kiliwi Chollaii, wife of former Madang Governor Jim Kas - Dr Theresa Kamau Kas, Elijah Kireng Pokarop, Dr Hilda H Polume, Leslie Roai, former Governor Michael Sapau :and Martin Kele-eh Warek.