BY BEN BILUA
Choiseul
A SINGLE vote took Sammy Galo to victory and become the Member of Parliament elect for South Choiseul Constituency.
Galo, son of ousted MP Robertson Galokale, scored a total of 1671 votes while his runner-up Tozen Leokana got 1670 votes – a majority of one ballot.
Announcing the position of result after counting yesterday, Chief Electoral Officer, Jane Waetara said Sammy Qalo – the MP elect – got 1671 votes, on second place, Tozen Keokana with 1670 votes, on third – Jackson Kiloe with 869 votes, fourth – Luxton Bauro Koraua with 611 votes, fifth – Naneeth Tutua with 241 votes and sixth – Amos Papaqui Qurusu with 57 votes.
She told those present that 5, 124 out of a total of 6,574 registered voter have casted their vote, with five rejected ballot papers.
The most anticipated result was announced around 3pm yesterday after two days of counting.
Speaking to the media, South Choiseul Returning Officer, Henry Deva said the election was a success with 80 percent of voters casting their ballots.
He said the completion of the counting followed by the Official Announcement of the winning candidate was a great relief for his team.
Deva expressed his acknowledgement to voters for good behavior and also the electoral team both those in the province and officials from Honiara.
He also acknowledged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for maintaining peace and security during the election and counting.
Deva also thanked the media for working closely with the Electoral team while informing the public about the election.
Gaol replaces his father, who lost the seat last year in an election petition, after the High Court found him guilty of bribery and treating.
He was not at Taro when the results were announced yesterday afternoon.
Congratulations Hon Qalo