Second runner up after the 22nd Elimination , Pangu Pati’s candidate Aimos Joseph Akem .
PICTURE SUPPLIED
By: Mortimer Yangharry
The 2023 Lagaip Open Supplementary Election eliminations which began yesterday 27th of November 2023 at the Wabag Primary School is progressing smoothly with heavy security presence on the ground ensuring normalcy and a free and fair counting.
After the 22nd Elimination of Independent candidate Jack Amu yesterday afternoon his 3, 518 votes were disributed which saw former MP and United Resource Party strongman Tomait Kapili (pictured) maintaining the lead with 28, 178 votes.
Closely closing in is Pangu Pati’s Aimos Joseph Akem (pictured) with 20, 166 votes while Independent candidate Sam Talepakali is coming strong on third spot with 15, 149 votes.
Fourth place Independent candidate Robert Yori Yai is on 7, 219 votes while on fifth spot is Wasa Amu with 6, 251 votes.
Independent candidate Brian Lakakit is on sixth placing with 5, 846 votes while seventh place candidate and former Enga regional MP Paul Paken Torato polled 5, 846 votes who will be eliminated when counting resumes this morning.
The absolute majority stands at 44, 038 + 1. It is highly likely that the pioneer MP for the newly created Lagaip Open Seat in Enga Province will be declared today where a total of 30 candidates have field in their intentions to run in this race.
