12 Apr 2005

Contender for presidency in PNG's Bougainville being treated in hospital

2:09 pm on 12 April 2005

A contender for the presidency in the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, Joseph Kabui, is being treated in hospital for a reported heart problem and high blood pressure.

The chief medical superintendent at the Buka General Hospital, Doctor Cyril Imako, confirms Mr Kabui is being treated there today, but he won't give further details about the patient.

The Post Courier newspaper reports the presidential nominee has had a recurrence of heart trouble that forced him to seek treatment in Australia two years ago.

Mr Kabui has told the newspaper he's still fit to contest next month's autonomous elections, and is fit to lead the province if the people vote for him.