Counting for Usino/Bundi by- election resumes

Counting of votes for the Usino/ Bundi by- election has resumed this afternoon at the Opotio Rimoru Hall within the Walium Sports Precinct, despite advice by the Election Security Coordinator and Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim; for a change of venue due to security concerns.

Counting was scheduled to begin yesterday however, a delay in the payment of allowances for counting officials prevented this process by a day.

An agreement to begin counting today was only reached after much deliberation and heated talks between the officials and the Provincial Election Manager, Sponsa Navi.

PPC Baim says counting started at a satisfactory level under tight security.

He adds, “Security is well coordinated and will continue until the declaration of a winner. There will be no counting in the night."

Counting is expected to continue for a few days with a declaration expected towards the end of the week or early next week.

Meanwhile, the general situation on the ground is said to be stable and candidates are being told to control their supporters throughout the counting period to ensure a smooth progress of counting.

A total of 27 candidates are contesting the Usino/ Bundi by- election following the death of the former MP, the Late Jimmy Uguro.

Amongst the candidates are Donald Uguro, the elder son of the late MP, former Madang governors, Peter Yama and Jim Kas, former Usino/ Bundi MPs, Anton Yagama and Samson Kuli and a former Goroka MP, Thompson Haroqave.