SAMUEL Manetoali has retained the Gao/Bugotu constituency with a landslide victory over his four rivals.
Governor General Sir Frank Kabui officially declared the result on Friday.
His runner up was Mathias Loji, followed by Derrick Kodo, Rhoda Sikilabu, and Basil Manelegua.
Manetoali polled 2,087 votes, while his runner up received 890 votes – a majority of 1,197.
Mr Kodo polled 435 votes, Mrs Sikilabu 345, while Mr Manelegua collected just 11 votes.
Reports from Isabel’s provincial capital, Buala, said Mr Manetoali’s supporters gathered to hear their candidate retained the seat for his third term.
Mr Manetoali has been the Minister for Culture and Tourism in the last government.
The result left only Hograno/Kia/Havulei, the only constituency in Isabel that is yet to complete its counting.
Counting for Hograno/Kia/Havulei is expected to end today.
Earlier, voters of Maringe-Kokota elected Dr Culwick Togamana, a former University of South Pacific lecturer, to be their new MP.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
