Kokopo resumes counting after audits

AN audit of primary counts for count one to seven for Kokopo open seat resumed on Saturday after it was suspended last week leaving many people in suspense.
Counting was suspended by the returning officer after scrutineers and candidates disputed there was some informal papers included.
The Kokopo seat was left vacant by the late member Patrick Tammur, who passed away before the issue of writs. The provincial election steering committee addressed the situation while the voters and the public of the electorate were left in suspense for three days.
A neutral team from the Rabaul and Gazelle counting centres audited count one on Saturday,  with count two and others progressing yesterday.
A re-check for boxes one to seven was undertaken before counting resumed.
Dr Henry Okole, senior researcher with the National Research Institute who was in ENB last week observing the elections, said before 2007 and according to history, Kokopo was regarded as a safe seat.
He said there were only three MPs – Oscar Tammur, Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Patrick Tammur – since 1972 as the seat experienced generational change.
The current elections have seen 28 candidates vying for the seat which Okole said now saw leaders with new ideas and political perceptions regarding developments at the national and provincial levels.
Progressive results shows ENB regional after count 59 – Sir John Kaputin ahead with 11,968 votes, sitting MP Leo Dion with 9,784 and Henry Ningo 5,139.
Pomio open after the 14th elimination at 1pm yesterday saw Paul Tiensten in front with 6,448, Francis Koimanrea 4,931 and Francis Waina 1,911.