Another prominent politician in Papua New Guinea has lost his seat.

A former deputy prime minister, Sam Abal, has lost his Wabag seat to fellow independent candidate, Robert Sandan Ganim.

Mr Abal, who had been a loyal supporter of Sir Michael Somare, was made the acting prime minister in April last year after Sir Michael was forced to stand aside while he faced a leadership tribunal investigation.

He remained acting prime minister for several months while Sir Michael sought medical treatment in Singapore.

Mr Abal later became the deputy opposition leader and was holding that position when the election began.

In June, he announced he was standing as an independent after declaring he was disenchanted with the political party system.

At the weekend it was revealed that former cabinet minister, Bart Philemon, was voted out in his Lae Open seat.

He lost to Loujaya Toni, the second woman to take a seat in this poll and just the 6th woman ever voted into the PNG parliament.

59 of the 111 seats have now been declared.