Following the by-elections for West Guadalcanal Constituency on Wednesday 4th June a new Member of Parliament (MP) has been elected.

She is the wife late Moses Garu, Zae Daniela Mary Garu  who died early this year. His death had necessitated the by-election which was contested by six candidates.

Following the arrival of the ballot boxes in Honiara, counting was held on Friday with the results coming later in the night.

Six candidates contested the by-elections.

Chief Electoral Commissioner, Jasper H. Anisi, on Saturday revealed the number of votes each candidate got.

Mrs Garu won with 3,157 votes. Her nearest rival was Anthony Veke polled 2,855 votes, a difference of 302 votes.

Phillip Manakako Jr. came third with 859 votes to round up the top three.

Garu contested as an independent candidate.

She is the fourth women in the 12th Parliament.

Returning Officer Willie Kokopu declared Garu as the winner stating that the election procedures were followed carefully throughout the election process.

“I am confident the result accurately reflects the will of the electorates,” he said.

Paripao ward also conducted its by-elections last Wednesday.