The newly created Hiri Koiari Open electorate in Central Province has seen the nomination of 16 candidates so far to contest in its inaugural National Elections.
Hiri Koiari Returning Officer Leo Ameua said the nominations started last Thursday at Mirigeda and so far, no women candidate has turned up for nomination to contest the seat.
He said political party endorsed candidates that have nominated includes Keith Uduhu from New Generation Party, Nou Rage from National Alliance Party and Jack Totona from Peoples National Congress Party.
“Another candidate that turned up yesterday to nominate was the son of the current Kairuku Hiri sitting MP Peter Isoaimo, Francis Isoaimo Namea,” Mr Ameua said.
“12 of them nominated on Thursday, three on Friday and Mr Isoamo Namea was the only one who came in yesterday to nominate.”
He further said they are expecting the number of nominees to go beyond 30 in the coming days and are also expecting a female to nominate to contest.
Image courtesy: John Gamoga Airi