RADIO NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL
AN OBSERVER MONITORING Papua New Guinea’s general election says there have been some disruptions in the counting process which is now underway in eight of the country’s 22 provinces.
While around 80% of the country has finished voting, the Electoral Commission has extended polling into a third week in several provinces where delays have been experienced.
There have been reports of scrutineers, including people who work for candidates, interfering with the counting.
Election observer Ray Anere of the National Research Institute has confirmed a number of incidents related to issues of fairness which will need to be taken up after the election, including interference with ballot boxes.
“There have been some disputes, particularly by scrutineers, which have led to delay of counting,” Mr Anere said.
“But I think those delays have been addressed…. There are some hiccups that amount to a disruption of the counting process here in the National Capital District.”
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