Byron Chan takes commanding lead in New Ireland by-election

People’s Progress Party [PPP] candidate Byron Chan has surged to a significant lead as counting for the New Ireland Provincial By-Election enters its second day.

As of 2:00pm this afternoon, election officials reached a milestone with the completion of Count 10. Five additional ballot boxes were processed during this round, sourced from the Tanir, Nimamar, Tikana, Sentral, and Namatanai Local-Level Government [LLG] areas.

PPP Candidate Byron Chan has taken a commanding lead in the New Ireland Provincial By-Election following the completion of Count 10.

Chan now leads the race with a total of 7,485 votes.

He is followed by Independent Candidate, Kepas Wali, who has secured 5,676 votes.

In third place is National Alliance Candidate Joshua Takin Soi, with 3,491 votes.

Independent Candidate, Moses Taram, is in fourth position with 567 votes, while Our Party Candidate Number 18, Hosea Kalis, has moved into fifth place with 558 votes, overtaking Chris Gai.

Counting resumed after 3:00 pm Monday, with the next five ballot boxes drawn from the Tanir, Nimamar, Tikana, Sentral, and Namatanai Local Level Government areas to begin Counts 11 to 15.

The counting process is continuing under tight security, with scrutineers, election officials and security personnel maintaining order at the counting centre.

Election officials say regular updates will be provided as each count is completed and have urged voters to remain patient as the process continues in line with electoral procedures.