Former MP leads in Central Bougainville by-election

Former two-term MP and state Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, is in a commanding lead following conclusion of 39 counts of the first-preference votes in the Central Bougainville by-election.

Counting of first-preference votes concluded last night with the eight ballot boxes from Wakunai.

Panguna District had 13 ballot boxes and Kieta 18 ballot boxes.

After count 39 last night, Jimmy Miringtoro, an independent candidate, is in a comfortable lead, posting 5,450 votes.

In distant second is PANGU Pati candidate Lohial Nuau with 3,124 votes, and third place is Flynn Narunsi Detouh with 1,918.

Former Bougainville House of Representatives Member and Social Democratic Party candidate, Dominic Itta is on fourth spot with 1,573 votes, and rounding up the top five is Gilbert Saike with 1,233 votes.

Officials are going through quality check of all ballot papers this morning, before the exclusion or elimination round kicks in.