PORT MORESBY (NAUFM/PINA) — Prime Minister Mekere Morauta still led the tense vote for the Moresby Northwest constituency in the Papua New Guinea general elections.
The People’s Democratic Movement leader, Morauta led People’s National Congress Party’s Miria Ikupu by 650 votes, according to progressive figures from the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission.
Constituencies in the National Capital District are the first being counted as voting across the country enters its second and final week.
It comes after a first week marred in some parts of the country—notably in the Highlands—by violence, security fears and allegations of irregularities.
In other parts of the country, such as the Central and Gulf province areas, voting is reported to have proceeded smoothly.
Power failures and security concerns delayed the counting in Port Moresby. Almost 3,000 candidates representing more than 40 parties are competing for 109 parliamentary seats across Papua New Guinea.
Progressive results from counting in the National Capital District, as given by the Electoral Commission (leading five in each constituency only):
Mekere Morauta (People’s Democratic Movement), 5,992
Miria N. Ikupu (People’s National Congress Party), 5,342
Nelson Mara (Melanesian People’s Party), 2,612
Rex Paki (Independent), 2,189
Russell Simon Wavik (Independent) 1,881
National Capital District Provincial progressive results
Bill Skate (People’s National Congress Party), 17,672
Jamie Maxtone Graham (People’s Democratic Movement) 14,285
Loani Ravu Henao (Independent) 12,548
Newman Pilyo Maeokali (Independent) 6,832
John Paskas (PNG Labor Party) 6,610
Moresby South Open progressive results
Carol Anne Kidu (Melanesian Alliance Party), 5,845
Raymond Agonia (People’s National Congress Party) 3,826
Jack Ninkama (Independent) 3,076
Albert Bossround Karo (Independent) 2,036
Nebross Duin (Advance PNG Party) 1,238
Moresby Northeast Open progressive results
Casper K. Wollom (People’s Democratic Movement) 4,015
Philip Taku (People’s National Congress Party), 3,446
John Kaupa (Independent) 2,830
David Unagi (United Party) 2,624
John Kekeno Kelowa (Independent) 1,535
