The former rebel militant commander Ishmael Toroama has extended his lead after the 18th elimination in the Bougainville presidential vote count.
Ismael Toroama Photo: Facebook
He has established a lead of over 13,000 votes over second-placed, former Papua New Guinea MP, Father Simon Dumarinu.
In third place is former Bougainville chief secretary Thomas Raivet, while Peter Tsiamalili, who had been the head of the PNG Sports Foundation, is close behind in fourth.
To win the presidency the successful candidate needs more than 50 percent of the vote.
Ishmael Toroama is currently on 39,081 votes and has been leading the presidential count since the early stages.