Ethel Vokia has been declared the winner of the North East Guadalcanal by election.

The returning officer made the declaration in front of a waiting crowd outside the counting station after all formalities were complete.

Ethel Vokia is the wife of Jamie Vokia, who lost his seat through an election petition.

Dr Derek Sikua, a former Prime Minister, was a close second.

The formal declaration will be made later this evening.