The US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea says election observers have seen serious irregularities in some parts of the country.
Polling has been extended into this week after widespread delays, while some regions have already begun counting, and two seats have been officially declared.
The Ambassador, Teddy Taylor, says in some areas, the campaign and polling have been free and fair, but in others was only passable, with some serious issues observed.
And he says any loss of life as a result of election-based violence is unnecessary and unwarranted.
"There has been the loss of life, and so those have been regrettable. But the security force turnout, we believe, did keep more widespread violence under control. But there has been violence, there's no two ways about it."
The US Ambassador to PNG, Teddy Taylor.
