papua new guinea

A total of 546 polling teams were dispatched into the six electorates since Monday.

According to Simbu Election Manager Reverand, Tom Siune Kaupa due to the rugged terrain and bad weather, extraction of polling teams dispatched to remote parts of Karamui was delayed.

These areas are only accessible by chopper and airplane.

Mr. Siune said despite the challenges, they completed polling and were ready for counting.

Counting commences today.

“An intending candidate for Kandrian Gloucester, Mr. Stanis Maela was found to be unwell before the start of nominations. He was a man who had the heart for his people of (Kandrian Gloucester) and therefore chose to stand in the elections this year on their behalf. Unfortunately, due to the height of his illness he was unable to continue his election journey and sadly passed on Saturday 17^th July, 2022,” said Manasaplo.

“As a show of respect to this humble man, election officers held a moment of silence for three minutes before resuming counting on Tuesday.”

Furthermore, the officials are having problems with logistical support, outlining that lack of funding is creating a lot of issues.

The Assistant Returning Officer for Nawaeb Urban, Tawas Nasinom, said this election is giving them “a lot of headaches”.

“Election officials will soon be forced to take goods and services on credit from small businesses in the districts they are in,” he stated.

Nasinom further said officials on the ground were not consulted in relation to election costings.

The results are:

1. Jason Peter (URP) – 14,091
2. Ross Seymour (National Alliance) – 11,836
3. John Kasu (Independent) – 4,665 
4. Tukape Masani (United Labour Party) – 3,736

After Primary count of all 10 LLG’s, incumbent Governor and Senior Statesman Sir Julius Chan won through a convincing 31,717 Votes.
This was 54.66 percent of the total formal Votes of 58,024.

Indigenous party candidate, Moses Markis was the runner-up with 16, 592, while only female candidate, Rhodie Paut from Tandis village in the Sentral Niu Ailan received 2,115 votes. 

Governor Sir Julius Chan during his declaration ceremony thanked all New Irelanders for the mandate and for trusting his leadership to lead the province for another five years.

In the progressive tally after count 1. The first five are;
1. Gabriel Nicholas - 167
2. Andrew Moi - 123
3. Keith Iduhu - 129
4. Wilfred F Kaeaka - 50
5. Mathias Jack - 27

Meantime, Kairuku Open began counting ballots on Monday. Counting officials managed to complete count 1 and count 2. 

The candidates handed the petition to the Returning officer Vincent Manukuyasi just before lunch.

Among the points raised, the candidates want live streaming of the counting and also allow the media to cover the event.

A criminal complaint of tempering, illegal voting, and fraud in the ward 1 area has also been submitted to RO Manukuyasi and has been submitted to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu.

Candidate Des Yaninen said, “The candidates want full transparency of the counting process.”

Milne Bay Provincial Returning Officer Ivan Maraka said Milne Bay began its count with Kiriwina Good Enough starting on Saturday at the Alotau Catholic Diocese Hall.

The Regional and Esaala counting was conducted at Huhu Informal Market, Samarai Murua at Strang Hall, Cameron Secondary School on Sunday, while Alotau counting got underway at the Alice Wedega Basketball Court yesterday (Monday 18^th July).

The member was declared after 2:30pm on Monday, 18^th July after primary count 55, polling 11, 949 votes at the West Mamusi Council Chamber.

“Pomio has been known for conducting as a free, fair and safe elections since 1975 and I appeal that we continue this,” said an elated Kapavore.

“I want to thank you my people of Pomio for giving me this mandate. I will do my best for you in the next five years,” he added.

Community liaison officer, Sam Muzoki, said team 95 started polling last Wednesday, July 13^th, at Kasanga, ward 7.

“Wan nait lo hap, neks dei mipla kam lo Malasiga.

“Lo Fraide, mipla gat problem lo weather, so had lo mipla trevol i kam olsem lo hia so mipla no bin mekim polling.

“Fraide avinun mipla go lo Busiga. Saturday mipla kondaktim ileksen lo Busiga.”

The team rested on Sunday, then walked to Mange in the afternoon.

Yesterday morning, Mange started polling.