Extraction of ballot papers complete for Kabwum by-election, counting to begin

The extraction of ballot boxes for the Kabwum by-election has been successfully completed, following a two-day delay caused by persistent heavy rainfall and low cloud cover.

Captain Jurgen Ruh of Manolos Aviation made the final extraction run, airlifting all ballot boxes from Yus Local Level Government [LLG], the last of the four LLGs in the Kabwum District.

Of the 12 boxes from Yus LLG, the first nine were flown into Lae on Saturday, accompanied by police personnel. The remaining three boxes were delivered yesterday morning.

Kabwum by-election Returning Officer, James Neapukali, told NBC News that preparations for the next phase of the electoral process are now underway.

“We will be conducting training for counting officials on Monday [today]. Candidates' scrutineers will also be briefed on the procedures for counting,” Neapukali said.

He confirmed that all 32 ballot boxes are now securely locked in containers at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae, where the primary count is scheduled to begin tomorrow.

“The counting setup will include four booths, one for each of the district’s LLGs. Scrutineers will be allowed into the booths to observe the process right through to the quality checks,” he said. “After quality checks are complete, we will consolidate all boxes into a single booth to begin the elimination rounds.”

The Morobe election team aims to declare a new Member of Parliament for Kabwum District by 7th August. The seat has remained vacant for over two and a half years following the destruction of ballot papers during the 2022 National General Elections.