Dei by-election counting starts

The long awaited counting for the Dei By-election started on Saturday, 31st January 2026, around noon at the Kimininga Regional Police Barracks.

Dei by-election Returning Officer Philip Telape, along with the three Assistant Returning Officers [AROs] opened the container containing the ballot boxes and took out the first 9 boxes to be counted- three boxes each for the three LLGs of Dei, which are Kotna, Mala/Kinjibi, and Muglamp.

Counting is underway currently with tight security provided by the police and PNG defence personnel.

Strict checks were also carried out by the security forces manning the gates into the counting venue.

A total of 25 candidates are contesting this by-election, left vacant by former MP Late Steven Pim.