New Ireland counting moves to 7th exclusion as Chan nears majority

The race for the New Ireland provincial seat is nearing its climax at the St. Peter Torot Centre.

Following the completion of the sixth exclusion at 7:00pm last night, People’s Progress Party [PPP] candidate Byron Chan has consolidated his lead, though he remains just shy of the absolute majority required for a declaration.

As the counting team prepares for the next round of eliminations, the atmosphere in Kavieng is one of tense anticipation.

With 46,687 formal ballots cast, the absolute majority required to win stands at 23,151.

Chan currently leads the field with 20,164 votes, followed by Independent Kepas Aruban Wali with 14,038. National Alliance man Joshua Takin Soi sits third with 9,346 votes and independent candidate Chris Gai with 2,752.

To date, 4,219 votes have been distributed, while 387 ballots have been declared exhausted after failing to indicate further preferences.

Provincial Returning Officer Benjamin Kliawi and his team of Assistant Returning Officers were seen early this morning sorting ballot boxes in preparation for the seventh exclusion.

The next candidate to be eliminated is Independent Chris Gai. His 2,752 votes will be redistributed based on his supporters' second and third preferences.

This move is critical; if a significant portion of Gai’s preferences flow to Chan, it could push the PPP candidate over the 23,151 threshold.

Outside the St. Peter Torot Centre, the scene is crowded with scrutineers and members of the public who have kept a constant vigil.

While only assigned officials are currently permitted inside the tally room to maintain the integrity of the process, the community is braced for a potential declaration later today.

As the seventh exclusion begins, all eyes remain on the tally board to see if New Ireland will have a confirmed representative by nightfall.