Ekil to decide winner in Dei Open race

Counting for the Dei Open By-Election seat in the Western Highlands Province, has reached a dramatic final stage, with independent candidate, Tui Ekil, now emerging as the kingmaker in the race between Sam Koim and Desmond Paul Kipa.

After Exclusion 22 of James Memba Weiya, who had 15,967 votes, former Internal Revenue Commission, Commissioner General, Sam Koim now leads the race with 24,357 votes.

Desmond Paul Kipa is still second with 23,341 votes, and Tui Ekil is third with 22,722 votes.

With just over 1,000 votes separating the top two candidates, the race remains extremely tight and unpredictable.

All eyes are now on Tui Ekil’s 22,722 votes, which are currently being redistributed, in the 23rd and final exclusion for this race.

Counting resumed this morning with the exclusion of James Memba Weiya, and a declaration is expected later this afternoon.

The writ should be returned on or before the 20th of February 2026.