Dekena maintains lead

By ZACHERY PER
MINISTER for Lands and Physical Planning Lucas Dekena is set to serve the people of Gumine for another term.Dekena maintains a comfortable lead with 10,001 votes ahead of arch rival Nick Kuman, who is running second with 7,809 votes.Independent candidate Joe Korane Kaile, who was running neck to neck with Dekena in the 2007 election, is in the third place with 3,288 votes.
Chimbu provincial police commander Supt Augustine Wampe earlier reported the burning down of houses in the Karilmaril, in the Degine area of Gumine district.
Despite that the people of Degine would like to keep the seat from two other Gumine and Kumai-Bomai Local Level Government area candidates so they voted for Dekena.
He said the area commonly known for tribal clashes had refrained from taking the law into their hands.
Wampe praised them for allowing the rule of law to take its course after the torching of three vehicles and several homes.