National General Elections

As the leader of the People First Party, Maru has a number of candidates who are still running and he hopes to gain at least 10 seats, to be part of the government formation.

“We have a lot of ambitious plans to continue to improve the rate and growth of development in our district, and that’s very, very important. The people have voted because they trust us, they know we can do it.

1. Peter Namea Isoaimo (NAP) – 6,432
2. Paru Aihi (PNC) – 3,830
3. Allan Aoka Keagaimo – 3,050
4. Seline Leo Lohia (ILP) – 2,033
5. Philip Vaki (Ind) – 1,646

Total ballot papers counted were 26,518. 

The last minute rush causing the delay has frustrated candidates, supporters and the Gulf community. 
In an earlier meeting with the provincial electoral officers, candidates raised concern on the slow progress of counting preps and called for a speed up before the return of writs on 29th July. 

According to sources from the provincial government, most counting venues are undergoing preparation since yesterday and works continue today and tomorrow. 
The Gulf electoral office has given assurance that counting will commence on Monday without any further delay. 

Team Namatanai completed the quality checks of the Konoagil LLG late last night, which leaves the final seven boxes of NTI LLG to be checked today.

Update for Namatanai counting

As of 6.30pm, QC for Tanir was completed

Sentral Niu Ailan - Box 76-89, total of 14 boxes – DONE

Matalai LLG         -  Box 61-63, total of 3 boxes   – DONE

Nimamar LLG     - Box 71-75, total of 5 boxes     – DONE

Tanir LLG.            - Box 90-95, total of 5 boxes     – DONE

Konoagil LLG      - Box 55-60, total of 6 boxes      – DONE

After 2.30am this morning, the progressive tally is:

1. Marsh Narewec (PNGD) – 1,251
2. Levi Wartovo (Future of PNG) – 543
3. Asher Patengi Liuliu (Ind) – 504
4. Boto Gaupu (PNC) – 413
5. Wayang Kawa (Ind) – 412

This is count 8 of 25.

Wards counted:

• Wau Urban LLG: All boxes counted
• Wau Rural LLG: Wards 1, 2 and 20
• Waria LLG: Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4

After Count 4 for the Open seat (Rigo District) leads with the candidate:

1. Vikki Mossine (Future of PNG Party) 997 votes
2. Turai Elemi from (National Alliance Party) with 762 votes
3. Fred Silona (PNC) – 429 polling votes
4. Ano Pala from (Pangu Pati) – 423 votes
5. Kila Sibona Kila (Independent) – 368 votes

Meanwhile, Abau district is now on count 6, leading is:

Finschhafen Returning Officer, Fredah Joses, outlined two main reasons behind the decision:

1. Time is against them (Return of writs on July 29^th), and
2. Ongoing security issues within the electorate

 Joses said the decision was reached after an incident occurred between 1.30 and 2am this morning.

“After consultation with security forces following the incident, that is currently being investigated, the decision was made,” Joses said.

According to one of the counting officers, Tani Tarube, met with Returning officer, Leo Ameua, to address the allowance issue this morning.

“We came in the morning and waited for the Returning officer and ARO, the counting officials were concerned about their allowances. We want answers before we will proceed with counting,” he said.              

Counting officials mentioned that they will count the last six ballot boxes for Vanapa Brown and will suspend counting for a while before they begin counting from Hiri starting with Manu Manu village.

Results as if 5.16am this morning are as follows:
1. Timothy Masiu - Pangu Pati - 10, 938
2. Herman Michael - URP - 5323
3. Albert Punghau - PNC - 5242
4. Nehemiah Wesma - Independent - 2749
5. Robert Kebau - SDP - 1709

Updates to follow.

The results are:

1. Marsh Narewec (PNGD) – 501
2. Asher Patengi Liuliu (Independent) – 254
3. Levi Wartovo (Future of PNG Party) – 229
4. Judas Sali Giamayung – 213
5. Wayang Kawa (Ind) – 203

This is count 3 of 25.

The ballot boxes were from Wau Urban, Ward 9, and wards 1 and 2 of Wau Rural.