Western Highlands nears completion of counting

Counting for the Local Level Government [LLG] elections for Western Highlands is going on a snail's pace since it commenced last Thursday.

However, it is progressing well, with almost 70 percent of the LLGs nearing completion.

When NBC News visited the counting venue yesterday afternoon at Kimininga Regional Police Barrack, Muglamp LLG, Nebilyer LLG, Lumusa, LLG and Mt Giluwe LLG were wrapping their count for the day.

Counting will begin for the two LLGs of Hagen Central and will also continue for Mul and Baiyer LLGs today.

Speaking from the counting venue Lumusa's Assisstant Returning Officer (ARO), Michael Hepila said, Lumusa counting was carried out smoothly without any major issues

Hepila also said this is the result of a peaceful polling apart from isolated incidences in the LLG.

"Polling was peaceful. Counting progressing well and completed with two boxes pending decisions," Hepila said.

"Lumusa LLG has 25 wards, 23 wards already counted and declared with majority of the councilors retaining their seats. However, the other two remaining boxes have slight issues like the number of ballot papers returned, not matching with the ballot papers used ( for casting votes), and two candidates tied on the same number." He said.

He stressed that for the two remaining boxes he has instructed the scrutineers of the candidates to come to an agreement to whether or not continue with the counting regardless of the issue or the box will be set aside.

For the candidates scoring the same number, a decision will be made later whether to set the box aside or progress with the counting.

For Mt Giluwe LLG, Muglamp LLG and Nebilyer LLG counting was progressing right through to the suspension of counting at 6pm.

Attempts to get comments from the provincial election manager was to no avail.