Asia | Polling badly

Papua New Guinea conducts its worst election ever

More violence, more corruption, more fraud. But fewer deaths, at least

In nearly 50 years, PNG has elected just seven female MPs. Money, culture and corruption are all working against the women trying to address the problem.PNG is one of only three nations in the world without a single woman in parliament. In its nearly 50 years since independence, the country has had just seven female MPs, meaning it has one of the worst records of female representation in parliament in the world.Papua New Guinea elections. Local women voters begin their voting process in the polling area, Rai Coast, Madang.© Godfreeman Kaptigau / Guardian / eyevineContact eyevine for more information about using this image:T: +44 (0) 20 8709 8709E: info@eyevine.comhttp://www.eyevine.com

In parliament on August 9th, 97 members voted for the incumbent, James Marape, to remain prime minister of Papua New Guinea. None voted against him. His rival and predecessor, Peter O’Neill, walked out of the chamber in disgust.

This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Worst. Election. Ever.”

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