Sir Leo Dion, Papua New Guinea's deputy prime minister, has lost his seat in the national elections. Photo: RNZI
Papua New Guinea's deputy prime minister has lost his seat in the latest upset result in the country's general election.
Sir Leo Dion has been defeated in the East New Britain provincial seat by Nakikus Konga of the People's Progress Party after the vote count went down to preferences.
Sir Leo is among several ministers from the ruling People's National Congress party to lose their seats.
The PNC however still leads nationally in the overall number of MPs-elect, with twelve of the 30 declared so far.
To date, the Pangu Pati has five seats and the National Alliance has four.
Results in most of the remainder of PNG's 111 parliament seats are expected to be declared next week, meaning the Electoral Commission won't meet its deadline for the return of writs on Monday.
The Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato had earlier indicated the likelihood of extending the date of the return of writs.
According to the Commission, Mr Gamato is seeking legal advice on an extension.