Mr. Lucas Bierepi has made history as the first Member-elect for the newly created Kereaka Constituency in the west coast of North Bougainville.
Mr. Bierepi was declared following the third exclusion of candidate Daniel Tokapip, which saw 458 votes distributed. At the conclusion of counting, Mr. Bierepi secured a total of 976 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 804 votes.
Runner-up Charles Kakapetai finished with 631 votes.
This declaration confirms Mr. Bierepi’s election to the Fifth Bougainville House of Representatives as the first ever duly elected Member for Kereaka Constituency.
Also still in North Bougainville, Ezekiel Masatt (Box 13) has been re-elected as the Member for Tonsu Constituency.
Masatt secured a total of 1,599 votes, surpassing the absolute majority requirement of 1,456 votes after the fifth exclusion.
In the meantime, Mr. Fabian Epota Saleu has retained his seat as the duly elected Member for Torokina Constituency.
Mr. Epota Saleu was formally declared yesterday morning at the Mamaro Count Centre following the 8th elimination of candidate Charles Katama.
At the conclusion of counting, Mr. Epota Saleu secured 1,271 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 1,062 votes, while runner-up Michael Piriri finished with 851 votes.