Astrolabe Bay LLG nears count completion as Madang elections run smoothly

Counting in the Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government [LLG] in Madang’s Raikos District is nearing completion, with 15 of 19 wards already declared.

The remaining four wards are expected to complete counting and declare their councillors-elect by the end of today.

Election officials have reported a peaceful process throughout Astrolabe Bay, from polling to counting, with police confirming no major incidents.

Raikos District has four LLGs: Astrolabe Bay, Saidor (covering Long and Crown Islands), Naiyudo, and Naho Rawa, though no progress reports have yet been received from the other three.

Meanwhile, in Madang Urban LLG, three wards have been declared: Ward 1 councillor-elect Andrew Mocke, Ward 2 Sammy Tindipu, and Ward 3 Desmond Mapai. Both Tindipu and Mapai have retained their seats for a second term.

Counting is continuing today in Ambenob LLG, while Transgogol LLG is expected to resume either today or tomorrow. Polling in the remaining wards of both LLGs is also expected to finish today.

In Bogia and Sumkar districts, counting has begun, but updates are yet to be received. Attempts to contact Assistant Returning Officers for Middle Ramu and Usino-Bundi were unsuccessful over the weekend.