Kumura maintains lead as Usino-Bundi by-election eliminations continue

Elimination in the Usino-Bundi by-election resumed this morning after counting was suspended just after midnight.

Following the fifth elimination, which saw former Madang Governor Jim Kas bow out, Independent candidate Vincent Kumura continues to lead with 8,107 votes.

He is followed closely by Our Party’s Nick Kamuti on 7,817 votes and People’s First Party candidate Donald Uguro with 7,565 votes.

National Alliance’s Michael Ngond sits in fourth place with 3,890 votes, while PANGU’s Pewa Aimai rounds out the top five with 3,612 votes. Kumura has maintained his lead since counting began last week.

Former Usino-Bundi MP Anton Yagama has also been eliminated, while former Madang Governor Peter Yama and another former Usino-Bundi MP, Samson Kuli, remain in contention.

Election officials say a declaration could be made later today, depending on the pace of the elimination process.