Kagamuga International airport came to a standstill this afternoon as candidates contesting the Mt Hagen Open Seat in Western Highlands Province blocked off the airport.
Flights in and out of the airport were cancelled with frustrated passengers from the other Highlands Provinces left stranded.
Air Niugini Public Relations confirmed the suspension of its afternoon flight, and said an official statement will be released once approved by the CEO.
A passenger who travelled from neighbouring Southern Highlands Province, Brian Waffi said it was frustrating because he did not plan to spend a night in Mt Hagen.
He said all the candidates and their supporters are sitting on the tarmac and protesting.
The protesting Hagen Open candidates want the Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato to replace the Returning Officer.
They alleged that his decision in the 2012 National Elections refusing to count 22 ballot boxes, affected the end result.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Gamato stated earlier that there will be no more changes made to election officials because polling will start in a few weeks’ time.
(Picture source: Brian Waffi)