Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on the election campaign trail in Chimbu Province. Photo: PMO Media
Polling has been deferred in the electorate of Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill as the national election continues.
Ialibu-Pangia in Southern Highlands province was due to go to polling on Friday but a group of candidates served a protest notice with local election manager David Wakias.
It's understood Mr Wakias' team deferred polling in order to sort out issues which the group of candidates say will prevent the election in their district being a fair process.
They have cited an inadequate common roll and politically appointed presiding officers among the reasons.
The group does not include Mr O'Neill who in a statement confirmed voting in his province had been delayed, but said it was better to wait and ensure the process was run properly.
While the delay is disappointing, we understand the hardship and the difficulties that election officials are going through, Mr ONeill said.
He said delays like this were common in developing country elections, particularly with remote and rugged terrain and diverse cultures.
"Considering the issues officials have been dealing with, particularly from candidates and the public, as well as issues about common rolls and the verification of ballot papers, delays can be expected."
Polling was also deferred in Jiwaka province, where more problems with the latest version of PNG's common roll have sparked a flood of objections by candidates.
Polling was however conducted on Friday in three other Highlands provinces, Hela, Eastern Highlands and Chimbu whose scheduled day of polling last Monday was deferred for four days.