The former Papua New Guinea Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Simon Dumarinu, has taken a narrow lead in the presidential race.
Dumarinu leads the early pacesetter, Ishmael Toroama, who is trailed by Thomas Raivet, James Tanis and Peter Tsiamalili.
Minister of Bougainville Affairs, Simon Dumarinu Photo: Sunday Chronicle
Dumarinu won the Central Bougainville seat in the 2017 PNG elections; was made the minister, but lost the seat a year later, after a challenge by Sam Akoitai.
On a recount Akoitai was ahead by four votes.
Counting of presidential votes from central Bougainville is what has carried Dumarinu to the top position among the 25 candidates.
The votes in the north are still to be counted.