Moresby North East

Moresby North-East is in Exclusion 68, taking the lead as of today, 11th of August is:

1. Andapanga Baliawe (IND) - 14,879 votes.
2. John Kaupa (PANGU Pati) - 12,865 votes.
3. Peter Dominic (APP) - 9,837 votes
4. Diane Unagi (ULP) - 9,698 votes
5. Labi Amaiu (NAP) - 8,644 votes

The officials are now distributing exclusion 68 - Andrew Mald.

Meanwhile, the NCD Regional seat is on the last counts. Ballot boxes were removed from the container to proceed counting.

Here are the recorded 10 candidates from this morning’s update:

1) Andapanga         11,890

2) John Kaupa        11,119

3) Peter Dominic      8,094

4) Labi Amaiu          7,160

5) Dickson Samai   6,799

6) Diane Unagi        6,786

7) Joe TinTin            6,432

8) Andrew Mald      5,491

9) Carl Okuk            5,171

10) Dr.S.Mosin        4,940

More updates to follow as there are seventeen boxes left to count.

In a recent press conference, NCD Election Manager Kila Ralai stated that polling for the nation’s capital was delayed due to alleged interference from the candidates and scrutineers; and challenges faced by the NCD election team regarding the distribution of ballot papers to various wards and locations in NCD.

By 11 am today PNG Electoral Commission officials, escorted by Police transported ballot papers from the Sir John Guise Stadium to appointed polling locations in the MNE electorate.

However, due to deferral of polling from, Friday 8th to Monday 11th, the community missed out not only a set date for polling but hours of their paid jobs as well.

This newsroom visited the polling venue at Skyview Estate and were greeted by disgruntled residents who were disappointed and annoyed with the announcement of yet another deferred day of polling.

Skyview Estate Chairman, Garima Tongia, spoke on behalf of the community in airing their disapproval of the manner in which elections are being delivered for 2022.

Representatives of the estate said they are fed up with having to explain to their employers of the incompetence delivered for North East Polls. 

Garima Tongia, Founding Chairman of the Skyview Estate, said that if it is deferred to Monday 11th, they will not allow any polling teams to set up in that area.

Challenging this norm, local Member for Moresby North East and Minister for Housing and Urbanisation John Kaupa surprised everyone in bringing his District Development Authority (DDA) meeting into the urban village of Korobosea.

Previous meeting by the MP were hosted by the Nine mile and the Bush wara community.

Minister Kaupa in thanking the Korobosea community said, the purpose of hosting his DDA meetings in settlement and Motu village is to bring the government back to the people.

John Kaupa was declared tonight at 10:25pm after the 47th exclusive count at the Sir John Guise indoor complex.

He has ousted sitting candidate, Labi Amaiu.

Kaupa polled after the 47th exclusive count a total number of 17, 218 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 16, 479.

Running second to the newly declared candidate member elect is Carl Okuk who polled 15, 737 votes.

Kaupa signed his writs in front of the returning officer and his assistant as well as counting and polling officials at the venue.

The results of the top five candidates are as follows;

1. John Kaupa- 14, 373

2. Carl Okuk- 12, 503

3. Labi Amaiu- 12, 304

4. Andrew Mald- 11, 181

Absolute majority is 25, 181

The total number of ballots remaining in count is 28, 054.

Results are progressive and is bound to change after a while as elimination continues.

According to returning officer, a declaration is expected later on today.

Follow Loop PNG for more updates.

(File picture)

Both the leading candidate and runner up are margins away from over taking each other after each exclusion.

Moresby North East returning officer, Thomas Rango says regardless, the exclusion has been going on since last night and is still ongoing.

A clear margin is yet to be set between the two leading candidates.

He reassures that a member for Moresby North East electorate will be declared today before the return of writs to the Electoral commission this afternoon.

Moresby North East Returning Officer, Thomas Rango confirmed the arrest of his ARO Edward Peter which prompted a brief suspension of counting

Rango however assured supporters, scrutineers and the general public that counting progressed well and will commence again following today’s 64th count.

Moresby North East electorate counting will resume at 8am tomorrow, Monday 17th July.

Meantime, Rango says that the Peter was taken into police custody for wearing a police issued coat at the counting venue.