Papua New Guinea: Delays and allegations of fraud in Papua New Guinea elections | ABC Radio Australia

Voters in Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, go to the polls today in the national election which began in a volatile part of the Highlands at the weekend. Two of the most recognisable names in PNG politics are not on the ballot papers in the electorates they’ve held for many years: Australian born Dame Carol Kidu and former PNG Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, who are both retiring this year. The head of the Commonwealth election observer group in Papua New Guinea says election-related problems could lead to voter frustration. There have been reports of delays in opening polling stations, ballot boxes being destroyed and others being hijacked and stuffed with completed ballot papers.

Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister ‘determined’ elections will proceed | ABC Radio Australia

Sir Mekere Morauta gave the assurance amid renewed uncertainty over whether the general election will proceed as scheduled. On Friday, the Governor-General is due to issue writs signalling the start of the campaign period. But there are reports many Members of Parliament want the vote delayed because of concerns over the veracity of the electoral roll. Local media has reported rumours some MPs might move a no-confidence vote against the prime minister.