Primary count completed for Porgera-Paiela by-election

Three Independent candidates have taken the lead following the completion of the primary count for the Porgera-Paiela Open by-election.

Andrew Lakis Ruing leads the race with 8,074 votes. Amet Andrew follows closely in second place with 7,540 votes, while Gideon Maso Karipe sits in third with 6,748 votes.

United Resources Party candidate Sailas David Aiyala holds fourth position with 4,300 votes, and Independent candidate Standford Kin Tokaya rounds out the top five with 4,184 votes.

Election officials will begin quality checks tomorrow before moving into the elimination stage.