Central Province Counting progressing

Counting for the Central Province started yesterday with two districts, Abau and Rigo.

Counting for Rigo Open was done at the Kwikila Secondary School, with progressive results for the first count announced at 3 O’clock in the afternoon.

Counting for the Abau Open seat was done at the Kupiano Council Chamber under tight security.

The roads leading to the Kupiano Council Chamber were sealed off yesterday as preparations for counting started.

The first four ballot boxes were brought to the counting venue on an open back vehicle as requested by scrutineers to maintain transparency during transportation of ballot boxes.

It was a tight squeeze for the sorters, counters, Electoral Commission representatives, and scrutineers, but everyone was determined to get the job done.

There are 28 ballot boxes for the Abau Open Seat. Counting is also simultaneously happening for 28 other ballot boxes for the Central Regional Seat.

The first six ballot boxes for Abau are results for the various wards in the Amazon Bay Local Level Government area.

Two boxes for Abau were counted on the first day and three boxes were counted today, day two of counting.

There have been no major law and order incidences since nominations began, through to polling and now counting.

With count 6 completed this afternoon, Abau Open has 22 ballot boxes left. Returning Officer, Lawrence Baro, said they hope to get count 7 as well done by the end of the day.