PNG Dei Open By-Election Counting Enters Second Week

Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commission has provided an update on the Dei Open By-Election, now moving into its second week of vote counting. The electorate, which includes three Local Level Governments, has 25 candidates contesting the vacant seat.

According to the Commission, 57 counts have been completed, corresponding to 57 ward ballot boxes. The total number of allowable ballots was 90,571, with 1,093 deemed informal, bringing the combined total to 91,664 papers.

Source: PNGEC

Following the completion of the Primary Count and Quality Check, the leading five candidates are Tui Ekil with 9,816 votes, James Pini on 9,417, Sam Koim with 8,199, Desmond Paul Kipa with 7,711, and James Memba Weiya with 6,700 votes.

The Absolute Majority required after the Primary Count was 45,286 votes, which no candidate achieved. Counting has now progressed to the elimination stage under the Limited Preferential Voting system. Nine eliminations have been completed, and officials are currently conducting the tenth round.

The Commission praised the dedication of counting officials, scrutineers, security personnel, and stakeholders for ensuring transparency and order throughout the process.

“The commitment of everyone involved continues to strengthen confidence in the electoral process,” the Commission said.