Former PNG prime minister Sir Mekere wins Moresby Northwest seat

The former Papua New Guinea prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta won the Moresby Northwest seat in the ongoing national election after the final elimination this morning.

After a lengthy vote counting process full of delays, Sir Mekere exceeded the absolute majority after the 35th elimination, securing 14-thousand votes after distribution of preference votes.

He had over 3,500 more votes than the independent candidate, Lohia Boe Samuel.

Sir Mekere Morauta retired from politics in the 2012 election, but said he sought to return to the fray to help change the government of Peter O'Neill.

The deadline for the return of writs in PNG's election is tomorrow.

However, results are yet to be declared in dozens of the 111 parliament seats. RNZI/ PNG Today