14 May 2003

Southern Highlands vote count remains stalled because of injunctions

5:49 pm on 14 May 2003

Two court injunctions continue to stall the vote count in Papua New Guinea's supplementary election in Southern Highlands province..

The injunctions have been brought by candidates claiming voter fraud.

The count was suspended on Friday after candidates won a restraining order in two of the six electorates, where a second vote had been held after last year's poll was declared to have failed because of violence and cheating.

The injunctions were granted after candidates alleged foul play, irregular voting and collaboration between polling officials and security forces.

Lawyers for the Electoral Commission have appealed to the Mount Hagen National Court to allow for a continuation of the count, which has already been delayed by logistical problems and disputes over allowances.