Moresby North-West by-election counting begins after delay

National
Electoral Commission staff sorting out ballots under the watch of a police officer at Ben Moide Club Murray Barracks for the Moresby Northwest by-election yesterday. – Nationalpic by Kennedy Bani

COUNTING has started for the Moresby North-West by-election to find out who is to replace the late MP Sir Mekere Morauta who passed away late last year. Returning officer Desmond Timiyaso said they began yesterday with ward seven while counting for the other wards would start today. Counting officials and scrutineers for other wards held an induction training yesterday. Timiyaso said there was a delay after some candidates complained of the simulation exercise. “(They) complained that the simulation exercise should be done in one central venue (Sir John Guise Stadium),” he said, adding that they complied with the complaint”. The primary votes would be counted at the Metoreia United Church Hall (Ward One), Ben Moide Club Murray Barracks (Ward Seven), Sir John Guise Stadium (Ward Eight) and Administrative College Hall (Ward 11).  All eliminations will be done at the Sir John Guise stadium.  The counting will be held only during the day.