Following the completion of the by-election polling for Ijivitari Open electorate in the Oro Province on Saturday, counting was supposed to have begun yesterday.
However, this did not eventuate as officials raised concerns about the need for them to be trained on the Electronic Counting System.
PNG Electoral Commission officials in Popondetta, Oro Province, yesterday conducted a one day course for counting officials at the Popondetta Council Chamber, venue for the actual counting which is expected to start today.
Officials were satisfied with the training and it is expected the counting should proceed without further delays.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that some members of the police based in Popondetta may boycott duties during the counting due to non-payment of allowances.
Allowances are usually paid before duties are carried out but it is understood this has not happened.
However, there is a police Mobile Squad unit currently deployed in Oro for the by-election so officials are confident the counting will not be disrupted.
There are a total of 31 ballot boxes to be counted. The counting is expected take up to two weeks after which the winner will be declared.