NIP BY-ELECTION COUNTING STARTS TODAY

BY FRANKIY KAPIN in Kavieng

A new Governor elect since the passing away of late Sir Julius Chan last January nears with the by-election counting starting today-31st January 2026 in Kavieng, New Ireland province.

Following the successful securing of ballot boxes for the entire New Ireland ending polling in the province, provincial electoral manager Benjamin Kliawi has signalled start of counting at the central venue, the Peter Torot centre in Kavieng town.

Scheduled for a 12 days counting period, Kliawi has affirmed that all is set to go ahead with briefings done with all respective officials to be involved from scrutineers to security officials as well counting officials and AROs.

Kliawi confirmed counting starts at 9am but delayed to after midday today, regardless, counting is in progression as expected.

Of the 10 LLGs in the province, counting began for the Tikana, Sentral, Namatanai, Nimamar and Tanir LLGs in the Namatanai district today.

And from public observation, the race will be between former member for Namatanai and late Sir J’s son, Byron Chan and former MRA MD, Kepas Wali.

The provincial seat was left vacant following the passing away of former New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan last year’s, January 30th 2025.