Counting for the NCD Regional seat at the Rita Flynn Court has been suspended since Saturday after allegations were raised of suspected foreign ballot papers being smuggled into the counting venue, this prompted a call for a recount of all the ballot papers.

Counting was scheduled to resume today at 1pm, however, it is not known when counting will recommence.

The NCD Regional Returning Officer was not available at midday today and could not be reached for comments on the matter.

The top five tally for NCD Regional Seat as off Saturday after count 22 has seen the incumbent Governor and Social Democratic Party leader, Powes Parkop leading the race with 1,391 votes, People’s Labor Party man Wari James Vele, with 1,274 votes, Independent Candidate Michael Kandiu sits on the 3rd spot with 964 votes, another Independent Candidate and former NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Andy Bawa is in the 4th place with 921 votes and Ben Dagima in 5th place with 524 votes.

Counting for NCD Regional is still on primary counts with time running out as the dates zero in on the return of writs set for Friday 5th August 2022.