The capital of Papua new Guinea's Western Highlands province descended into an unrest over another election-related controversy.
Scrutineers watch polling during the Papua New Guinea national election 2017. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Mt Hagen's central business dictrict was closed since Monday and the Kagamuga airport blockaded by supporters of disgruntled election candidates.
They claimed that the sitting Hagen Open MP William Duma was declared the winner of the seat without dozens of ballot boxes being counted.
Among reported damage caused by rioting, the Hagen Council Chambers building was burnt down, and the town's water supply was poisoned.
One of the Hagen candidates, Simon Sanagke, said returning officer Paul Goima declared Mr Duma prematurely and had a lot to answer for.
"The Electoral Commissioner's stand was that you have to count all primary counts, and then do the elimination."
"You have to get 50 percent plus 1 vote, but in this case, Duma never got 50 plus 1, and the primary counts have never concluded," he said.
"They decided to just leave the 28 boxes and arrived at the declaration."
Polling station in Bulolo District, Papua New Guinea national election 2017. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Simon Sanagke said that since there was no dispute filed over the 28 boxes, which were not counted, and there was no valid reason for the Returning Officer not to include them.
The candidate claimed the Hagen election was rigged, and said it had happened in previous elections in this seat when the influential Mr Duma emerged victorious.
