Pacific Beat

As one of the PNG government's harshest critics warns that the whole process is in danger of failing and discus thrower Alex Rose, out to win the Oceania title in Suva, explains why he switched his allegiance from the US to Samoa.

Anger from many camps over the delays to the election in Papua New Guinea's capital an the confusion over the Pacific games in Tonga continues as parliament votes to pull out as host country.

The party is over for Tonga's sporting community, as parliament backs Prime Minister Pohiva's decision to pull out of the 2019 Pacific Games. And, Solomon Islands Prime Minister admits his country is at a crossroads, as one MP voices concern over security in the wake of RAMSI's imminent departure.

Arrests, delays and frustration on day two of Papua New Guinea's national poll and Solomon Islands Prime Minister has a change of heart on RAMSI.

We get the latest from the Highlands as several provinces of Papua New Guinea go to the polls on the first day of voting in the national election. A Fiji opposition activist is arrested during a one-man protest in support of victims of torture.

Medical charities struggle to keep up with the demand for wheelchairs and crutches, as diabetes-related amputations rise in the Pacific. As PNG prepares to go to the polls starting from tomorrow, one analyst says to expect a few surprises.

The drowning deaths of 16 young church-goers after their banana boat capsized off Guadalcanal prompts Solomon Islands Prime Minister to order a review of emergency response systems. And, Fiji's opposition parties unite to call for changes to electoral system ahead of next year national poll.

The police commander on PNG's Manus Island calls for election candidates and their supporters to show respect to media covering the campaign. And, we speak to a local Rabaul historian about the significance of the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the Montevideo Maru, described as Australia's worst wartime tragedy.

Ghost names still on PNG's electoral role as the final hours to the national election countdown. Fiji's opposition parties unite and calling for electoral system changes ahead of next year's polls.

Vanuatu stands still to farewell its late President, Father Baldwin Lonsdale. Fiji's election supervisor defends awarding a contract to a Pakistani organisation that's been accused of corruption and ballot stuffing.