A recount of votes for the Chimbu Regional seat in Papua New Guinea is expected to get underway today in Goroka.
Street in Goroka, capital town of Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands province. Photo: RNZ
The recount was moved from the Chimbu provincial capital Kundiawa to the Eastern Highlands capital because of fears that violence might break out between supporters of the successful election petitioner Noah Kool and the incumbent MP Michael Dua.
The Post Courier newspaper reported that the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato confirmed on Sunday that funds had been released for the recount and his staff had travelled to Goroka from Port Moresby over the weekend to carry out the task.
Our correspondent in Goroka, Melvin Levongo, said the situation on the ground is quite tense and a lot of police reinforcements have been sent to provide security for the process.
"The situation now is that there has been a lot of traffic in the town. There is a lot of supporters flocking in, candidates flocking in so it is expected to build up momentum going after lunch and going towards the evening."