The Melanesian Spearhead Group Observer Group (MSGOG) have highlighted incidences and attempts of double voting in their interim report in the 2017 National elections.
In a statement, the MSG said their observers came across reports of double voting by people who claimed to have voted twice after erasing ink used to mark voters’ fingers.
The statement also says observers witnessed some bold attempts at double voting that were foiled by polling officials and scrutineers.
Other challenges the interim report highlighted were the high number of names missing on electoral rolls, the absence of an official voter identity card, the long delays in opening polling stations, as well as some eager scrutineers who tried to interfere and influence the voting and counting process.
Media reports of intimidation and assault on MSGOG officials were not mentioned in the report, which was condemned by Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato.
In their assessment, the MSGOG said the elections were fully embraced by PNG citizens despite the challenges mentioned.
They said they witnessed strong expressions and a genuine desire to be governed by a democratically elected government.
A total of seven MSGOG officials were in PNG and visited polling in Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), East New Britain (ENB), Central Province and the National Capital District (NCD).