An often rancorous campaign period for Papua New Guinea's national election has concluded.
The two week polling period begins today after almost two months of intense campaigning involving 3340 candidates across the country.
Today, districts in provinces including Manus, Bougainville and Central are among the first to go to the polls.
Furthermore, polling in parts of Oro province couldn't start on schedule due to lack of funds from the electoral commission
Polling will begin progressively around the 22 provinces over the following two weeks.
Candidates are vying for 111 seats in the national parliament of the Pacific Island region's biggest country.
In the absence of public debates between the MPs, voters have instead been treated to the usual promises of roads and services, and a new intense level of mud-slinging between the main rivals.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on the election campaign trail in Chimbu Province. Photo: PMO Media
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has travelled widely across PNG with his People's National Congress party candidates calling for another five years in office to keep building the country.
But Mr O'Neill has faced stern criticism by opponents over management of the economy, public health services and the effectiveness of his free education policy.
Now the People's Progress Party leader Ben Micah has presented police with evidence to support his allegation that candidates have been in possession of ballot papers.
He warned that the country could go up in flames if the election is allowed to be rigged.
Mr O'Neill's office meanwhile has dismissed reports from Hela province that the prime minister had to flee a rally in Tari when the crowd began throwing stones at him.
But he's under fire from many angles, even from his recent coalition partner, the National Alliance.
People's Progress Party leader Ben Micah warned of unrest if election was found to be rigged Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
His trenchant critic, the former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta has re-entered the political fray to seek re-election in Port Moresby north-west.
His campaign about the need to kill what he calls the "octopus" of corruption whose tentacles have en-snared the nation has resonated on social media.
If Sir Mekere and Mr O'Neill's other main opponents like the Pangu Pati leader Sam Basil and opposition leader Don Polye can join forces and bring in enough MPs and join with independent Mps-elect, PNG may be in for a change of government.
Few people are holding their breath, but even fewer would bet on the outcome.
Don Polye on the election trail Photo: Supplied/ Wanpis Ako
