12 Jul 2002

More results in PNG election

4:46 pm on 12 July 2002

Fifty seats have now been declared in the 109 member PNG parliament.

They are split between 17 parties and independents.

The leading party remains the National Alliance of Sir Michael Somare.

It has eight seats, while Sir Mekere Morauta's People's Democratic Movement has seven and the People's Progressive Party has six.

Seven independents have also won seats so far.

Meanwhile Sir Michael Somare says this election will be his last.

Sir Michael is yet to be confirmed in his East Sepik regional seat, but observers say he is likely to be returned.

The former Prime Minister has historically enjoyed a huge majority in the seat, which he has held since 1968, but in this election he has lost ground.

Sir Michael has attacked what he calls frustrated, educated out of towners for the decline in his support.

He has told journalists in Wewak in East Sepik that he will have given his service to East Sepik and PNG by the end of the term, due in 2007.