Soqosoqo-ni-Vakavulewa-ni-Taukei Leader, Filipe Bole has lost out in the Suva City Fijian Urban Communal Seat to the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua’s Mataiasi Ragigia in the declaration of the seat by the Returning Officer, Ratu Isoa Tikoca five minutes ago.

Ragigia defeated six other candidates on the first count with 4874 votes while the nearest candidate (Bole) received 1586 votes.

Ragigia’s victory means the SDL has now won 24 seats narrowing the gap with the Fiji Labour Party to three seats.

FLP has a total of 27 seats.

There are now eight seats left.

Meanwhile Caretaker Foreign Minister Kaliopate Tavola (SDL) is leading after the second count for the Lami Open constituency while his other SDL colleague Losena Salabula who is contesting the Laucala Open is second behind the FLP after the first progressive count in that constituency.

Tavola is leading with 5465 on the second count with the absolute majority required being 5931.

William McGoon of the FLP is second after the first count with 1952.

Nine candidates remain in the race.

Salabula (SDL) is now second in the Laucala Open with 3837 behind the FLP’s Dewan Chand on 4558.

Absolute majority required for election is 5756.

Tobewaqiri (NVTLP) has been excluded and seven candidates are remaining in the second progressive count.

1.42pm