Officials estimate 146,000 voted in Southern H’lands

By JEFFREY ELAPA
OFFICIALS estimate that 146,092 people cast their votes in the five electorates in Southern Highlands province.
So far, 194 ballot boxes have been counted in Mendi.
Counting statistics at the Momei oval central counting room reveal that 41,916 people voted in the Ialibu-Pangia open electorate after 72 boxes were opened.
For the Kagua-Erave open electorate, 30,208 people voted after 39 ballot boxes were counted as at 5.30pm yesterday.
In the Mendi open electorate, 36,689 people voted after 31 ballot boxes were counted.
In the Kagua-Erave open electorate, sitting member James Lagea was leading with 5,999, followed by Albert Noria on 3,675, David Basua with 3,063, Komeali Ropa on 2267, Japhet John Yano on 2,147, Andrew Rema on 1,784, Nemo Yalo on 1,769, John Yandi on 1,323 and Nicholas Sambu on 1246.
In the Mendi open electorate, MP Pastor Isaac Joseph is leading on 6,209, Maso Hapon on 5,816, De Kewano with 5,067, Michael Nali on 5,185, Steven Mendopo on 1,753 and Dickson Kisombo on 1,471.
In the Nipa-Kutubu open seat, Kossy Sosoro was leading with 3,765, Steven Andayo on 3,307, Tony Kila on 2,885, MP Philemon Embel on 1,543 and Jeffery
Komal on 878.
In the Imbonggu open electorate, sitting member Francis Awesa was leading with 4,597, Pila Niningi on 4,158, and Steven Temo
with 2,428.
In the regional seat, William Powi leads with 10, 453, Joe Kobol, 6,692, Vincent Mirupasi on 5,467 and Jerry Kiwai with 4,039.