Kaputin maintains lead

SIR John Kaputin maintains his lead in the East New Britain provincial seat after count 15 at 3pm yesterday.
His lead is 6,998 votes, ahead of governor Leo Dion on 3,171 and Pius Kosa on 1,923 votes. Kosa jumped to third spot after boxes from Pomio were counted.In the Kokopo open seat, Ereman ToBaining leads after count six with 1,800 votes, followed by Emil Tammur on 1,023 and Gesley Rivan Peter on 993 votes.After count four in the Rabaul open seat, MP Dr Allan Marat leads with 1,413 votes, followed by William Kaputin on 996 and Raymond Paulias on 536.In Gazelle open, Norbert Kubak leads on 3,278 votes after count eleven, with Sinai Brown on 2,743 votes. He was followed by sitting MP Malakai Tabar on 2,219 votes.It is understood count eleven covered areas in the Reimber Livuan local level government, with three boxes from Reimber Livuan LLG yet to be completed.In the Pomio open seat after count 33, MP Paul Tiensten leads with 5,688 votes, Francis Koimanrea on 3,916 and Francis Waina with 1,439 votes. In Central Bougainville, MP Jimmy Miringtoro has taken over the lead after count 26, polling 1,861 votes shortly after midday yesterday. Sam Akoitai is running second with 1,688 votes, Dominic Itta on 1,473 and independent William Reinhart on 1,176 votes.Polling in the four island atolls was progressing well, with teams to return on Thursday or Friday.Counting in North Bougainville will be delayed for a few days.After count 21 in West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel leads in the regional seat with 7,893 votes, Peter Arul 5,810, and Camillus Vovore 4,093 votes.MP Francis Marus leads in Talasea open after count 21 with 5,144 votes, Victor Narere 4,513 and Gari Baki with 4,483 votes.
In Kandrian-Gloucester open, Joseph Lelang maintains his lead after count 21 with 5,766 votes, followed by MP Tony Puana with 2,668 and Bob Liso with 1,656 votes.