Jacob Maragau has been officially declared the member-elect for Ward 5 in the Lae Urban Local Level Government (LLG) elections.

The declaration was made this week at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium indoor complex, where counting is still in progress.

Morobe Election Manager Simon Soheke, who is also the Returning Officer for the LLG elections, confirmed that all legal and election procedures were completed before the official announcement.

Using the powers under Section 50 of the Constitution and Section 175 (1)(a)(b) of the Organic Law on National and Local Level Government Elections, Mr. Soheke declared Mr. Maragau as the duly elected member at 10:36 a.m on Wednesday 5th of November 2025.

Maragau won with a total of 4, 966 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 4,386 after all ballot boxes for Ward 5 were counted, reconciled, and verified.

Meanwhile, counting for Wards 1, 3, and 6 in the Lae Urban LLG is continuing at the same venue.

Election officials have assured the public that the counting process is moving smoothly and that accuracy and transparency remain their top priorities.

More updates and declarations are expected in the coming days as counting continues for the remaining wards.