The deadline for the return of writs in PNG’s elections has been extended, with counting still progressing. Last week PNG’s Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen set the deadline of today Wednesday for all the writs to be returned. But he says that’s now unlikely, with two Highlands provinces starting voting late, and several parts of the country still tallying results. “I will now assess the counting in those provinces that are still ongoing, like the Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, parts of Southern Highlands, and the Milne Bay province, the Western and Gulf provinces,” he said. “Then I will advise the governor general with the appropriate time frame.”
Meanwhile, two winners have been declared in one seat in Papua New Guinea’s Southern Highlands. Incumbent MP Francis Awesa was declared the winner of Imbonggu on Monday and the result was noted on the Electoral Commission’s website. But Mr Trawen said the local returning officer nullified that result on Tuesday morning and declared independent Pila Ninigi the winner.
Full Article: PNG extends election writ deadline | ABC Radio Australia.
