Pruaitch leads race

By ELIAS NANAU
NATIONAL Alliance Momase leader Patrick Pruaitch leads the race for the Aitape-Lumi seat in West Sepik province.
Returning officer Joe Ainep said after count 42, Pruaitch was leading with 5,523 votes, followed by John Awe Yemi on 3,583 and Job Tolipi with 2,381 votes.
There are 58 ballot boxes for the Aitape-Lumi open seat. Ainep said counting had been progressing well despite minor grumblings from scrutineers on the first two days.
He said the absolute majority target was 22,000 votes plus one.
Counting for the Nuku open seat is progressing. After count five, MP Andrew Kumbakor leads with 4,736 votes.
He is followed by Joe Sungi with 3,433 votes. Sungi is a National Alliance party candidate.
The other candidates have not yet reached 1000.
Returning officer Joe Aflatawa said there were 17 boxes for Nuku.