The member elect for the Moresby South electorate (South side), Justin Tkatchenko, strolled into the counting venue at the Rita Flynn courts this afternoon flanked by Prime Minster James Marape and incumbent National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, to be officially declared by the Returning Officer (RO) Mr. Tau Toea, after his victory in this year's election. Upon signing the Election Writ with the RO, Mr. Tkatchenko announced that he will continue to work with his team to further develop Moresby South for the benefit of his people, now that he has the mandate of his people to serve them for a third term in office. Ten years in office has been an absolute pleasure for me to serve the people of Moresby South, another five years will make our electorate even bigger and better than it has ever been before, said Tkatchenko. He said with the support of the majority of people that voted for him, he now knows he has the backing of his people and said thats what he needs to continue partner with the communities in the electorate and work together for the benefit of everyone. He added that team work is important as it is the key to success in everything we do. As such, he said team work will ensure priorities like the new Moresby South District Hospital project, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and poverty reduction, are attended to in the next five years. Other priorities include health and education, better roads, electricity and water supply, and making sure markets and infrastructures are operational to benefit the people. As the leader of Moresby South for another five year, I look forward in my working relationship continuing for another five years for the benefit of you, and your family and your community. We look forward for Moresby South continuing to develop and progress for the benefit of all Moresby South people, whether you voted for me or not, now thats very important.” Meanwhile, the victory of the member elect came after the quality checks were done and elimination, and there after the absolute majority was at 23, 310. The Returning Officer said from this it was clear that one candidate went past the absolute majority and that was Tkatchenko, who polled 28, 111. Tkatchenko later officially signed the Writ with the Returning Officer, marking his re-election as member of Moresby South. His declaration is the first to be made for the city of Port Moresby where lately has seen election related violence marred the peacefulness in city during counting. The NCD Election Manager Mr. Kila Ralai, who was present to witness the official declaration, said it was a relief that this electorate has wrapped up counting and now wants to see the other seats to be peacefully declared soon.

The member elect for the Moresby South electorate, Justin Tkatchenko strolled into the Moresby South counting venue at the Rita Flynn courts this afternoon to be officially declared by the Returning Officer Mr. Tau Toea, after his victory in this year's election. After quality check, and elimination, the absolute majority was at 23, 310. The Returning Officer Mr Tau Toea said from this it was clear that one candidate surpassed the absolute majority and that was Justin who polled 28, 111. The member-elect officially signed the Writ with the Returning Officer, marking his re-election as member of Moresby South.

Sitting PM James Marape is urging all social media users to refrain from causing unnecessary panic and fear amongst the public following incidents of riots in Port Moresby. In a press conference this afternoon in NCD, Marape stressed that situations in the city came about because of such. He said the incident on Sunday at SJG stadium didn’t see anyone killed, and two people received injuries. Marape added that the situation was blown out of proportion by social media causing fear, and this further incited the situation this morning where opportunists took advantage to go on rampage in parts of the city. The incumbent PM also made it known that if he returns to power as PM after the election, he will seriously look into regulating social media use in PNG to curb such situations from happening in the future. Marape also urged supporters and candidates to refrain from further disruptions to counting and allow the electoral process to continue. Meanwhile, NDC/ Central commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr also confirmed that no one was killed on Sunday during the confrontation between supports of candidates. Wagambie added the social media posts exaggerated the incident stating that 13 people were killed, but in fact, no one was. Wagambie also stated that instead, the two victims received cuts to their bodies and were treated at the POMGEN. Wagambie said he is concerned that such misleading information is causing fear in the international community, the business community and the residents of the city and could lead to further issues going forward. Police are now conducting investigations and have interviewed one of the victims today to assist their case. He also confirmed that some suspects have been arrested and charged already, nine yesterday and some more this morning.

Security in the Nation’s Capital city of Port Moresby has been beefed up this afternoon with support from the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) contingent from the First Royal Pacific Island Regiment (1RPIR) based at the Taurama Barracks following unrests in the city today caused by opportunists. National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anthony Wagambie Jnr, confirmed the support from the defence force in a press conference this afternoon. He said they will assist police with security for the counting venues following the rampage today by opportunists in parts of the city. “There will be roadblocks placed in certain locations to monitor the movement of people and search for any offensive weapons." “We will continue with our police operations, and we are thankful that the PNG Defense Force and the CS (Correction Service) have come on board." Wagambie added that the additional security support will provide security at the counting venues to ensure counting continues and to allow police to concentrate on public safety. “We will also have police our police response units back on the streets so that we have police visible all over the city to give that confidence to our people to move around freely and to quickly attend to incidents.” Wagambie also said that the rampage in the city today was caused by social media posts exaggerating minor incidents in the city and suggestion that these incidents had connections to the confrontation between supporters of candidates on Sunday that went viral on social media. He said these incidents today were attended to by police and resolved, but opportunists took advantage of the confusion caused by certain posts on social and went on rampage in some parts on the city, but police did manage to put a stop to it all before midday. Nonetheless, Wagambi urged the public to be careful and be mindful of their surroundings, especially at this time. Meanwhile, there will be no curfew tonight and onwards as there is enough personnel from the three disciplinary organizations to provide security and secure normalcy in the city for resident, business houses and international organizations based in the capital city.

Chaos in Port Moresby city as videos and images of armed men, believed to be opportunists, taking advantage of the election-related incident yesterday, went on a rampage causing destruction in almost every part of the Nation’s capital. Police reports say the fighting was is in areas like Gordons, Erima, Waigani, Hohola, Tokarara, Koki, 2 Mile, Rainbow, and Gerehu to name a few between 10 until 11:30 am. Many schools in the city are also closed at this time while others that were open have advised parents for earlier pickups and drop-offs for today. Police sources say they are stretched thin right now and trying their best to contain this situation and restore order in NCD. Meanwhile, Police Chief of Operations Donald Yamasombi has confirmed that the city’s Metropolitan Superintendent, Gideon Ikumu, is currently in a meeting with representatives from the Correctional Service and the PNG Defence Force to decide the next course to take to address this situation in the city. Yamasombi also mentioned that the violence in some areas of the city is slowing going down and hopes everything eases by this afternoon with security teams moving around to maintain order.

Counting for the newly created Kairuku open seat has now been further delayed after the counting officials did not receive a response from the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission yet on their demands for their overdue allowances to be paid to them. The Returning Officer (RO), Mr. Henry Oa, said they cannot continue now because the counting teams still stand by their demand; therefore, they have decided to move counting to Monday 25th July. “We already spoke with an administrative officer for the PNG electoral commission, and he has taken the demands back to the headquarters,” said the RO. He said what they can do now is wait until a response or an agreement is reached between the two parties before the counting can resume. As a result of this, there was no counting today, and there will be no counting tonight and tomorrow. There are two ballot boxes left to be counted for the new Kairuku Open seat, but these two boxes will now have to wait until next week. The counting officials said they have not been paid since day one of counting at the Murray Barracks gymnasium in Port Moresby city, which started almost two weeks ago. The officials mostly came from the remote and distant parts of the electorate and had to hire transportation to come to the capital city for the counting; therefore, they must meet the expenses as well but with no payments so far, they have now resorted to this action to get things done for them. Meanwhile, the results after count 21 of the Kairuku open seat remains as it is, Peter Namea Isoaimo continues to lead with 7, 156 votes followed by Paru Aihi with 4, 866. Allan Aoka Keagaimo is on third place with 3, 170, Seline Leo Lohia on fourth with 2, 110 and on fifth is Java Aiva Beraro with 2, 049 votes.

There are two ballot boxes left to be counted for the Kairuku Open seat, but these two boxes might not be counted if the counting officials are not paid their allowances. The officials claim they have not been paid since day one of counting at the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby almost two weeks ago, and are now demanding the Returning Officer to meet with them today to resolve their grievances before they can continue with counting to complete the last two boxes. The officials mostly come from the remote and distant parts of the electorate and had to hire transportation to come to Port Moresby for the counting; therefore, they have to meet the expenses as well but with no payments so far, they have now resorted to this action to get things done for them. The Returning Officer Mr. Henry Oa confirmed that the officials have raised this matter with him, and he will seek further advise as to when they will be paid their allowances. “I will be checking up the PNG electoral commission headquarters again today to get a response from them regarding the allowances before meeting with them (counting officials) today,” he said. He further said that it is crucial time now with just two boxes left, so he will make sure this matter is resolved quickly. Meanwhile, after count 21 of the Kairuku open seat, Peter Namea Isoaimo continues to lead with 7, 156 votes followed by Paru Aihi with 4, 866. Allan Aoka Keagaimo is on third place with 3, 170, Seline Leo Lohia on fourth with 2, 110 and on fifth is Java Aiva Beraro with 2, 049 votes.

Four candidates contesting the Koroba Kupiago Open Seat in the Hela province are now calling on the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Simon Siani, to order the cancelation of 12 ballot boxes that are currently in dispute. According to one of the candidates Mr. Jonathan Aiene, the ballot boxes for the Kupiago basin were tempered with allegedly by the supporters of the incumbent member, and that denied the democratic process and the rights for the people to cast their votes for a leader of their choosing. Mr. Aiene claimed that the boxes arrived at the polling site on July 03rd in preparation for the polling to start the next day on the 04th of July; however, he alleged that the boxes were hijacked in the evening by supporters of the member and kept in a house. He said by the time it was morning, all the boxes were already sealed and ready to be transported to the district headquarters. This left the polling teams and the provincial election manager highly suspicious. “I feel that this is not a good precedence for us young people coming up and going into politics, so for us to dispute these boxes is reasonable and the electoral commission must take note that those twelve boxes at Hela now does not contain votes from everyone,” said Mr. Aiene. He said he himself did not vote, even his parents and family did not cast their votes because of the hijacking of these ballot boxes. “I appeal to the electoral commission to stop this illegal practice because if the electoral commission doesn’t do something now, who else is going to help us to get rid of this disease?” He said the matter has been brought forward to the Hela provincial administrator and the provincial election manager and they are aware of it and are dealing with it at their level. Meanwhile, the candidates have also registered their complaints with the provincial election manager so this matter can be made public knowledge. The candidates that have brought this matter forward are Mr. Kenua Ikila, Mr. Samson Peri, Mr. Allen Yalu and Mr. Aiene. They are currently in Port Moresby city to take this matter up with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission.

Polling will still continue for some electorates in the East Sepik province due to the late insertion of polling teams due to logistical problems faced with the transportation of teams.  According to the Provincial Election Manager Mr. James Piapia, the Ambunti-Dreikikier and Angoram districts still have a couple of wards to go to the polls because the polling teams were unable to get into some areas of the district sooner due to issues with fuel for transportation.   Apart from this, he said other districts like Yangoru Sausia, Maprik, Wewak and Wosera Gawi have wrapped up polling and should progress onto counting this week at their respective district headquarters.  Meanwhile, the provincial Election Manager also confirmed that a very huge number of people in the province were turned away on polling day because their names were not in the electoral roll, excluding them from exercising their constitutional right to vote a leader of their choice.  The Provincial Election Manager, Mr. James Piapia, admitted that this led to people being frustrated at polling sites and resorting to damage the ballot boxes.  “In Wewak the people became angry when they found out that their names were not on the roll, this led to youths frustrated and using objects to break the ballot boxes.”  Mr. Piapia hopes that everything else goes smoothly from here on so that counting can be completed on time.

The National Capital District (NCD) Election Manager Mr. Kila Ralai has re-assured the residents of the city that he will continue in his role until the 2022 National General Election is complete. Mr. Ralai made this announcement after taking questions and criticism from the candidates from Moresby North- East on the way he as the election manager, is managing the election process that has resulted in a further delay to polling. Initially he intended to resign as NCD Election Manager, but as things calmed down and with the blessing of the candidates, Mr. Ralai said he will continue his duty to ensure everything goes smoothly going forward. “The candidates and everybody supported me so I will not resign, I will be provincial returning officer and election manager for NCD,” said the election manager. Even though the candidates called for his resignation as the election manager, it was critical he remains because to appoint a new election manager would take time and that would lead to further delay of the election process, which is something everyone don’t want right now. Meanwhile, earlier in the day the Returning Officer (RO) for Moresby North- East had to verbally make known his intention to resign from the position due to pressure from the poor preparation of polling teams which led to the further delay of the polling in the electorate. However, the candidates when meeting with the election manager and his team, requested for the RO to be put back into his position. Most of the candidates said the RO has done an excellent job so far that they would rather have him handling matters than having someone else whom they don’t really know. Mr. Ralai further re-assured the candidates that he will make it his business to have the RO returned as soon as possible so that the election teams can finalize the ballots before polling takes place on a new date, which now Monday 11th July.

The polling day for the Moresby North- East electorate in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby had been further delayed for two days after the election team failed to complete preparations for polling to take place today. National Capital District (NCD) Election Manager Mr. Kila Ralai said the polling has been further delayed to Monday 11th July because they are still doing the distribution of ballot papers that led to the cancellation of polling which supposed to start at 8am in the morning. Mr. Ralai explained that the completion of the distribution of the election materials is important to ensure every ward in the electorate go to the polls on the same day. “Even if we go for two wards, it won’t look good for two wards to go for polls and the other two wards later, so we hold back all wards for Moresby North- East and we all go at once on Monday,” explained Mr. Ralai. He further said the election teams along with the scrutineers for the various candidates will go through the final distribution of the ballot papers and boxes this evening and finalize everything tomorrow in preparation for Monday. The delay had left people of North- East electorate left confused and frustrated. Most did not even know the polling was delayed and were gathered around the various polling sites for hours. The candidates further called for a better management of the election process and to make sure no more delays occur.

The prime minister has come out to say that the arrests of his son in relation to the huge amount of money transported in bag to Hela province on the eve of polling, was only a misunderstanding. Prime Minister (PM James Marape explained that his son was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and that money confiscated was meant for a local construction company and has no ulterior motive behind it. He said his son was with a group that was being given a tour of the PNG LNG facilities when the incident occurred. “They happened to be in the precinct when the cargo was delivered to another vehicle and a few of them were assumed to be in the same area with the same interest. My son had no in-put in the transportation of the money.” “The arrest took place, and we allowed the process of police to run its course and they are on bail at the moment,” said Marape. The prime minister fully knowing that this would have implications in the election, re-assured the people that this money has nothing at all to do with his election campaign, which some people including his opponents would see as. “I just want to report to the country that I don’t need money to make me win a re- election,” stressed the PM. Marape also added that it is not uncommon for large amounts of cash to be moved up to the province especially for companies to make payments to employees in rural areas. He said most of the time workers of construction companies preferred to be paid out in cash so to avoid banking fees that would be imposed on them if they have bank accounts. Therefore, he said this situation is unfortunate especially at the time when election is still going on, because large amounts of cash coming in will be very suspicious. The PM concluded by saying that this incident is now a matter of the police and would wait for the outcome of their investigations.