People gathered outside the counting centre in Mendi. Photo: Melvin Levongo
Violent deaths and kidnappings have been reported in the capital of Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands province Mendi, as the general election nears conclusion.
Death threats issued by supporters of opposing candidates boiled over into clashes in the province, known for election related violence.
PNG correspondent Melvin Levongo said reports of widespread killings had yet to be confirmed, while kidnapping victims had refused to speak to the media out of the fear of retribution.
Mr Levongo said vote counting was at the elimination stage in most of the southern Highlands' open seats, while fewer than 200 boxes were still to be counted in the regional seat.
He said the vote counting had been slow due to bad weather and the security issues.
A crowd gathered in Mendi during vote counting. Photo: Melvin Levongo
