Counting begins for Western Highlands LLG elections as first wards declared

Counting for the Local Level Government [LLG] elections for the Western Highlands Province began yesterday at the counting centre at the Kimininga Regional Police Barracks.Wes

Two wards were also declared for Kent Ward One in Kotna LLG, where the incumbent councilor and Kotna LLG President, Jerry Anis, retained his seat for another term, and for Baiyer River.

"Even though the LLG election was postponed several times, for Kotna LLG as a small LLG, voting was peaceful, and now my declaration, and I want to thank my people of Kent WARD One, and we look forward to providing leadership at the community level", said re-elected councilor Jerry Anis.

Two wards, Rombanga ward 14 in Mala Kinjibi and Gupeni 1 in Lower Kagul LLG, were declared unopposed by the sitting councilors, Rodney Rot Mek Terowa, who are also the incumbent LLG Presidents of their respective LLGs.

Counting was suspended at 6 o'clock in the evening yesterday and resumed this morning.

In the meantime, supporters of the councilors were seen crowding yesterday in front of the counting center enthusiastic to know about their candidates' status.

These are the first declarations for the province's LLG election as counting continues today with more declarations.

Writs will be signed when all the council wards are declared and collected together.

Security was also tight into the counting venue as Western Highlands has 316 Wards and 11 LLGs.