310511Atoi wins North Bougainville seat
By MARIA LAUKAI
Businessman Lauta Atoi is the new member elect for the North Bougainville open seat after racing to victory with 10,463 votes over his final eliminated opponent and only female candidate Rachael Opeti Konaka.
Ms Konaka completed the by-election contest with 5,162 votes. Mr Atoi will now occupy for the next six months, the North Bougainville open seat left vacant by former member and Governor General of PNG Sir Michael Ogio.
In congratulating Mr Atoi on his win, Bougainville Electoral Commisioner and returning officer Reitama Taravaru said generally, the election was peaceful and carried out with respect.
He thanked the PNG and Bougainville electoral commission officers, volunteers and the Bougainville Police Service for a job well done before declaring Mr. Atoi as the new member elect