Goilala begins with Gurari at Taurama army barracks

COUNTING for the Goilala open seat began yesterday at the Taurama Barracks with the first nine ballot boxes from the Gurari local level government area.Returning officer Phillip Awa said the counting for Goilala was supposed to start last weekend but the venue was not ready.There was also confusion over whether his team was going to be counting the Central regional ballot papers.“I’m happy that issue has been sorted out and I’m happy counting is finally underway,” said Awa.The nine ballot boxes were taken out from a container at 1.15pm by Awa and his polling officials as scrutineers, police and soldiers witnessed the removal of the boxes. Awa said 39 boxes would be counted including 15 from the Tapini LLG and 15 from Woitape LLG.Awa said the 150 counting officials would be working day and night shifts to complete counting before the issue of writs on July 27.After count one yesterday from the Torula village in Gurari, Alex Robert was leading with 288 votes followed by Alphonse Elep on 170. MP Mathew Poia had 57 votes.A total of 49 candidates are contesting the Goilala Open seat with female candidate Matilda Tagukom.For the regional seat, governor Alphonse Moroi picked up 703 votes at Torula village followed by Joe Manau and Kila Haoda getting seven votes each.