Post Courier Lae

Lae Urban Local Level Government counting is still in progress and soon to complete counting for ward 1 and will begin with the counting for ward 2.
Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) for Lae Urban ward 1 and 2 Mr Smith Benny told Post-Courier today that the declaration for ward 1 will soon be announced and they will begin with ward 2.
Mr Benny said at the moment candidates James Khay is on the lead with 1,628 votes, in second place is Thomas Agiru with 1,395 votes, followed by Ricky Liwong with 1,158 votes James Kinjin with 980 votes and Simbai Michael tailing with 767 votes.

"These are the top five candidates and once the counting is completed we will go straight into the declaration to continue with ward 2" said Mr Benny.
Lae District Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus who was also present at the counting venue when interviewed said counting for Lae is still very slow however needs a little more input to speed up the counting process with diligence if timing would be an issue.

However ARO Benny said so far the counting is progressing well.
"It is the candidate scrutineers who are raising concerns so the officers had to attend to them, that is the only thing slowing the counting in progress" said Benny.