Iduhu leading Kairuku-Hiri race

HENAO Iduhu is increasing his lead in the race for the Kairuku-Hiri open seat after posting 3,503 votes at the end of count seven last night. The independent candidate has been leading since counting started this week at his home village of Gaire.Iduhu is 2,000 votes ahead of his nearest rival, independent candidate Gavera Bitu, with 1,659 votes. Sitting MP Paru Aihi is third with 1,638 and is closely chased by businessman Peter Namea Isoaimo on 1,579 votes.Assistant returning officer Tabu Vaira confirmed that box number one from the Gaire and Barakau wards was counted again on Wednesday night but did not greatly affect the progressive tally.
Vaira said counting progressed well after count five on Wednesday night.
He is confident that counting for Kairuku-Hiri will be completed before the return of writs on July 27.