Parliamentary elections in Papua New Guinea, results in August

Prime Minister James Marape has called for people to be "free to vote in safety".

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In Papua New Guinea, this Monday, July 4, the marathon of legislative elections begins.

The 118 seats in Parliament must be renewed in view of the election of the new Prime Minister.

And once again it is in a context of insecurity that the ballot opens after a campaign marked by murders and corruption.

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This Monday, July 4 marks the start of legislative elections under high protection in Papua New Guinea.

Nearly 10,000 members of the police and army, supported by 130 Australian soldiers, were deployed to provide security for the poll, says

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Poor population and rich natural resources

Papua New Guinea is an island where the richness in natural resources contrasts with the poverty of the population.

Despite the numerous mining, oil and gas reserves, 40% of the inhabitants live below the international poverty line.

The country has been marked for many years by corruption and election-related homicides.

Over 200 deaths and major irregularities were reported by the Australian National University in the last ballot in 2017. Police say 15 deaths have been recorded so far this year.

Electoral rivalries can indeed quickly degenerate into veritable bloodbaths, particularly in remote and mountainous regions. 

Eighteen days of voting

Outgoing Prime Minister James Marape called on people to vote, saying they could go to the polls safely.

He will be a candidate for his succession and will notably face his predecessor Peter O'Neill.

Elections can last up to eighteen days and the result is not expected before August.

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• Papua New Guinea

• Economy

• Corruption

• Poverty