Papua New Guinea's electoral commissioner says there is not enough evidence to refuse counting of disputed ballot boxes in an electorate in Jiwaka province.
PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato under pressure at a media conference Photo: RNZI Johnny Blades
Objections raised about the boxes were the latest in a string of complaints about ballot fraud in the Highlands region during PNG's lengthy election.
The commissioner Patilias Gamato reversed his decision from last Friday to have the six ballot boxes discounted in North Waghi district.
That decision followed a petition from a group of 28 local candidates after video footage emerged showing apparent mishandling of ballot papers at the Singirok Barracks polling place.
But while acknowledging this as evidence in relation to one box, Mr Gamato said there was no evidence for allegations about the other five.
He said on balance the case against the refusal of counting of all the six boxes was not overwhelming and he has decided to let them be included on the basis of reports from the returning officer and advice from the State Law Office.
In relation to his statement on reversing his decision about the boxes, the commissioner said the situation in the electorate remained very tense and volatile.
However, the returning officer for North Waghi Andrew Kulangi has declared polling in this electorate as a success.
Results have been declared in twelve of the 111 seats in parliament, with the ruling People's National Congress party in the lead with six MPs-elect.
The National Alliance and the Pangu Pati have two each.
Meanwhile, PNG's national broadcaster has reported that police arrested the National Capital District's election manager Alwin Jimmy.
Mr Jimmy was picked up by police last night inside the counting venue at Rita Flyn Courts.
His arrest reportedly stemmed from an argument which erupted between the scrutineers and the counting officials.
In the process, Mr Alwin Jimmy allegedly assaulted a scrutineer inside the countting room.
He was charged on one count of assault and was granted bail.
