Sitting Member for Rigo, Ano Pala, completed his nomination today at Kwikila, in the Central Province.
Pala has served two terms, with this being his attempt at a third term.
He was escorted by a large number of supporters.
Kwikila station in the Rigo District was unusually crowded, and loud, around midday today.
Supporters of the sitting Rigo MP arrived in truck-loads as he arrived at the district headquarters to nominate.
Also nominating today was a first time candidate and known within the sports fraternity, Julian Leka-Maliaki.
Another candidate was 71 year old Launce Vetari from Saroa village. An independent candidate, Vetari has been contesting every election since 1982. This year is the 7th time he will be contesting the Rigo Open Seat.
Returning Officer for Rigo, Virgil Waisa, said compared to the last elections, this year candidates have been slow to lodge in their nominations.
Sitting MP, Ano Pala, following his nomination, proceeded to the open field in front of the Police Station to speak to the people. He said funding for the Kwikila market has been approved and work will start after the elections. He added that K40million has been spent on building the Hula road.
As of 4pm today, the Returning Officer for Rigo said so far 20 candidates have nominated, 3 of them females.
