PNG: Elections marred by violence, fraud and delays

There are reports of fraud, violence and delays in Papua New Guinea's general election, which got underway on Saturday.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's correspondent in the capital Port Moresby says that he is working to confirm reports that a man was killed in Kelabo village.  He says that a fight erupted when supporters of one candidate tried to take control of polling.  There was also violence in Kereneba village and several houses were burned down, according to Radio Australia.

AAP quotes election observers as saying that three ballot boxes were destroyed by angry voters in Hela province in the PNG Highlands.  Another two boxes were hijacked by supporters of candidates and handed over to returning officers filled with completed ballot papers, the news agency says.  Competition in this mineral-rich area is particularly fierce because a massive resources boom is expected to come online over the next two years.

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Sky News says there have been major logistical issues throughout the country. In Tari in Hela Province residents complained there were not enough ballot papers, while election commission staff and security were late arriving to a number of other remote villages.  Authorities responded by extending voting, RNZI reports.

PNG has experienced election violence in the past, the BBC explains, and this poll is particularly sensitive because it is being contested by both Sir Michael Somare and Peter O'Neill, two "bitter rivals" who both claim to be prime minister.

The poll is PNG's eighth since gaining independence from Australia in 1975. 

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