Heavy rain delays extraction of ballot boxes in Yus LLG for Kabwum by-election

The very heavy downpour today has forced the extraction of 12 more ballot boxes, for the Kabwum by-election from the Yus Local Level Government [LLG] to be delayed again.

Initially, one extraction for this last LLG was supposed to be done yesterday [Thursday] morning, but the Manolos Aviation's helicopter was the only one, also engaged to assist the Usino-Bundi by-election in Madang.

According to the Morobe electoral officers, Manolos Aviation advised that due to the very bad weather, they will not fly unless if the skies clear up later on during the day.

Unfortunately, the rain continued the whole day, so Manolos will not be making the planned flights to that remote LLG today.

The Morobe Election Manager, Simon Soheke said, his officers resorted to spending the days cross checking and finalising materials for counting at the Sir Ignatius Kilgae stadium.

"We have no control over the weather, and also, Manolos is the only Aviation assisting the by-elections for both Usino-Bundi in Madang and Kabwum for us in Morobe."

"We plan to start counting on Monday or Tuesday next week, so we still have 2 or 3 more days to complete the extraction of ballot boxes for Yus LLG," he said.

20 ballot boxes from the Selepet, Komba and Deyamos LLGs were already airlifted into Lae on Wednesday, with the last 12 to come in from the Yus LLG.