Moresby South MP-elect gives message to supporters, critics

7:44 pm on 13 July 2017

The ruling People's National Congress party has won the first two seats where results have been declared in Papua New Guinea's national election.

PNG's Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko waits with the Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato

PNG's Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko waits with the Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato Photo: Koro Vaka'uta / RNZ

In Tari-Pori, the Finance Minister James Marape retained his seat in the first results declared, and in Moresby South the Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko has been re-elected.

Having won emphatically on first preferences, Mr Tkatchenko told supporters that "the vote of confidence that my people have given me will only make me work harder, stronger, and more determined to ensure that Moresby South becomes and will be one of the best electorates in the country."

Justin Tkatchenko also hit out at his critics who he accuses of directing an unprecedented level of lies and defamation toward him during the campaign.

He said his supporters have ensured that "the truth always prevails".