The people have spoken, and a member is chosen. Ms. Rufina Peter has unseated incumbent and former Governor, Mr. Robert Agarobe after the final exclusion yesterday evening at the Ben Moide Soldiers Club, Murray Barracks, in the nation’s capital.
A jubilant governor-elect was all smiles as she, accompanied by her daughter Joy and fellow candidate Paul Simon, drove into the club for her declaration.
Election manager, Mr. Peter Malaifeope expressed great delight in signing as he recalled the day Ms. Peter walked up to him to place her nomination.
“She was the first candidate to be nominated when the nominations were opened and when the nominations closed and I declared the order of draw, the first person whose name was drawn, was none other than Rufina Peter.
It may have been a coincidence, but I think something else was working” Malaifeope said. Ms. Peter crossed the line with 62,361 votes, shooting past the absolute majority of 60,640 by 1676 votes and outscoring former Governor, Robert Agarobe by 3,444 votes, who came in second place with 58,917 votes after the 20th and final exclusion which saw Nelson Saroa eliminated.
Meanwhile, there was also a reason to rejoice for the counting officials as the merry Mr. Malaifeope assured them that they would be receiving their allowances in due course.
A cry of happiness erupted around the club as counting officials and fellow central province public servants celebrated the appointment of Ms. Peter and the news of collecting their allowances.
“Let me remind or let me inform all the officials here, please forgive me if I am not full of money in my pocket now, but your concern for your allowances have been taken care off,” Malaifeope said.