27 Jun 2002

PNG government extends voting deadline in some provinces

10:57 am on 27 June 2002

Voting in Papua New Guinea's election has been extended amid continued reports of election-related violence and a range of problems causing delays.

Polling was to end on Saturday but our correspondent in Port Moresby, Peter Niesi says voting has been deferred in the southern highlands until July the 5th.

"In southern highlands which has been the problem province - even up until very recently- polling day has been rescheduled to July 5th. That basically goes over the June 29th deadline for actual polling. And that's likely to affect polling in East New Britain as well as parts of Morobe where they've requested extra time for polling."

Meanwhile counting has finally got underway in the western highlands

Provisional figures for the Western Highlands provincial seat show former prime minister, Paias Wingti leading the count

Only seven of the 109 seats in the new parliament have been declared so far

Meanwhile, in Chimbu province, seven women are reported to have been raped in retaliation for the fatal shooting of a girl by a supporter.

In Kundiawa, MP Joseph Wamil is reported to have been arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed pump-action shotgun.

Funding delays and weather problems have also delayed the voting process.

The main contractor to fly election materials, Pacific Helicopters, has withdrawn its services saying the electoral commission has failed to make agreed payments.

In the North Fly electorate, boat operators are awaiting cash payment before they transport electoral officials.

Counting in Mount Hagen for the seven seats in western highlands is being held up by staff wanting to be paid their allowances.

And police are reported to be refusing to provide security also because of outstanding allowances.

Meanwhile, the speaker has called for the new parliament to meet on July the 18th.

Bernard Narakobi, who is one of 36 candidates contesting the Wewak Open seat, says to meet the requirements of the constitution the government must be formed before July the 23rd.