Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Leadership struggle in PNG’s Mt Hagen sparks violence

Posted at 03:32 on 01 December, 2008 UTC

One man was shot dead, and a vehicle was used to try and run down four people, including a pregnent woman, in Mount Hagen in Papua New Guinea.

The Post Courier says the violence is allegedly related to the leadership struggle in the province.

Meanwhile, an official recount in local elections is underway after an order by the National Court following a successful petition by former governor Paias Wingti.

One official said the informals found during the counting amounted to more than 7000, which is 4000 more than first counted in 2007.

He said Mr Wingti was still leading after the elimination of 16 candidates with a difference of about 21,000 votes.