Elimination expected to start today

THE elimination process for votes in the Menyamya by-election in Morobe is expected to start today or over the weekend, according to PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.
He said counting of the primary votes was done at the each of the four local level governments (LLGs) – Kapao, Kome, Nanima-Kariba and Wapi.
Gamato said it was the first time counting of primary votes in a national by-election had been conducted in LLGs.
“Despite bad weather conditions caused by heavy rain and strong winds, primary votes count was successfully conducted and completed in the four LLGs,” he said.
“The only delay was caused by the landslip at Kapao LLG which occurred last Saturday blocking road access to Menyamya station thus leaving election officials and ballot boxes for Kapao stranded at Kapao.”
Gamato said due to the remoteness of Kapao LLG manpower was used to clear some 40m of mud and debris left by the landslip as earthmoving equipment had not been dispatched to the area.
Meanwhile, after the primary votes count, the progressive results for the top three candidates as per each LLG are: Kapao – Jackty Yotipo (URP) 3,059, Benjamin Philip (PNC) 1,359, Julius Ikoliso (Ind) 1,214; Kome – Nolan Nelson (People’s Party) 2,550, Solen Loifa (Ind) 2,485 and Benjamin Philip (PNC).