Over a week into polling for Bougainville's election, authorities say the process has been peaceful despite allegations of foul play from some candidates.
Photo: Bougainville Govt
The election is expected to produce a government in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region that will negotiate Bougainville's independence from PNG in accordance with last year's referendum result.
The Post Courier newspaper reported Electoral Commissioner George Manu saying polling was nearing completion in most parts of the region but would be extended for areas that had requested more time to ensure all voters got the opportunity to cast their ballots.
Manu expressed disappointment that some people had chosen to use social media to raise their concerns about the election instead of contacting the electoral commission directly.
The commissioner said he took complaints very seriously and was calling on those making them to come forward and assist the commission.
Manu said he wanted the matters dealt with before counting commenced next month.
"The use of social media has already painted a bad picture on the overall conduct of the election," he told the Post Courier .
"I will not take these allegations lightly. I will make sure that investigations are done so that we can address these concerns before the commencement of counting."
