PNG Dei Open By-Election: Desmond Paul Kipa Elected MP

Independent candidate Desmond Paul Kipa has been declared the new Member of Parliament for Dei Open Electorate in PNG following a tightly fought by-election that kept supporters on edge until the final elimination.

 PNG Dei Open By-Election: Desmond Paul Kipa Elected MP

The official declaration was made after the exclusion of Tui Ekil, who polled 22,722 votes, triggering the distribution of preferences under the Limited Preferential Voting system.

After preferences were tallied, Kipa secured 28,064 votes, narrowly edging out his closest rival Sam Koim, who received 27,146 votes — a margin of just 918 votes.

Election officials confirmed that Kipa also crossed the absolute majority threshold of 27,606 votes required to be declared the winner. The result ended weeks of intense counting marked by shifting leads and close margins between the leading candidates.

Speaking during the declaration, Kipa first acknowledged God for guiding him through what he described as a long and challenging political journey. He also thanked his supporters across Dei, along with his parents and family, for their prayers and sacrifices.

He further expressed appreciation to counting officials, election officials and security personnel for maintaining a peaceful and transparent electoral process, and commended runner-up Sam Koim for mounting a strong challenge in his first attempt at the Dei seat.

Having contested the Dei Open seat for the past 20 years, Kipa described the victory as both political and spiritual, dedicating the win to God and the people of Dei District while reaffirming his commitment to serve and deliver development, saying he has no personal interest in politics but is focused on serving the people.