Counting for Central electorate disrupted

National

COUNTING for Kairuku-Hiri in Central has been disrupted after election officers protested over the non-payment of their allowances.
Returning officer Tabu Vaira said the counting officials had completed the 17th exclusion yesterday  morning and took a break for lunch at the Bomana counting centre in Port Moresby.
“They did not return to the counting room after lunch in protest over their allowances,” Vaira said.
“So we will have to sort out their grievances first.
“As for now, the counting has been suspended to tomorrow (today) at 8am.”
Vaira said sitting MP and National Alliance party candidate Peter Isoaimo was leading with 13,893 votes followed by People’s National Congress (PNC) party candidate Paru Aihi on 10,670 when counting stopped.
Kairuku-Hiri is the only electorate still going through the counting process.
The Rigo, Goilala and Abau seats had been declared.
Meanwhile, counting for the regional seat is progressing with independent candidate Robert Agarobe leading on 24,947 followed by Governor and PNC candidate Kila Haoda on 21,983.