18 Feb 2019

Chimbu election recount to get underway in Goroka

From , 3:03 pm on 18 February 2019

A recount of votes for the Chimbu Regional seat in Papua New Guinea is expected to get underway today in Goroka.

The recount was moved from the Chimbu provincial capital Kundiawa to the Eastern Highlands capital because of fears that violence might break out between supporters of the successful election petitioner Noah Kool and the incumbent MP Michael Dua.

The Post Courier newspaper reports the Electoral Commisioner Patilias Gamato confirming on Sunday that funds had been released for the recount and that his staff were in Goroka to carry out the task.

Our correspondent in Goroka, Melvin Levongo, told Koroi Hawkins the situation on the ground is quite tense and a lot of police reinforcements have been sent to provide security for the process.

Goroka town, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea.

Goroka town, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ