PORT MORESBY (NAUFM/PINA) — Prime Minister Mekere Morauta’s lead in the Moresby Southwest electorate was cut as counting in the Papua New Guinea general elections continued under heavy police guard.
People’s Democratic Movement leader Morauta (5,072) led People’s National Congress Party challenger Miria Ikupu (4,834) in tense counting slowed by security fears.
Morauta’s strong rival, People’s National Congress Party leader and ex-Prime Minister Bill Skate, meanwhile, opened up a lead In the National Capital District provincial seat.
Skate (14,634) led People’s Democratic Movement candidate Jamie Maxtone Graham (11,644) and independent Loani Ravu Henao (10,628). Earlier Maxtone Graham was close behind Skate.
In Moresby South, women’s and children’s rights activist Carol Kidu of the Melanesian Alliance Party had 5,430 votes. She comfortably led her main challenger, Raymond Agonia of the People’s National Congress Party, 3,219.
Power failures and security concerns had delayed the counting in Port Moresby.
The voting in the capital continued as electoral officials prepared for the beginning of voting in more electorates across the nation in the second week of polling.
Almost 3,000 candidates representing more than 40 parties are competing for 109 parliamentary seats. Polling across the far-flung country is due to take two weeks.
Morauta earlier appealed for an end to the violence that has disrupted and marred voting in some areas. Many voters have been assaulted and intimidated by supporters of some candidates, he said.
