PNG Police Commissioner David Manning has called on fellow Papua New Guineans as the country prepares to go to the polls to treat the delayed National General Elections in June this year as a very important period to vote national leaders who will represent us in the 11th National Parliament.
“This is a very important period for the 11 million-plus people of PNG as the power, which is held in trust by our leaders for five years, is given back to us again. We are given the opportunity to decide who we give the power to lead us for the next five years.”
He said every Papua New Guinean of voting age is expected to make a vote that will determine their future. He challenged voters to vote wisely and elect leaders without expecting any personal benefits or rewards in return.
“To those who are contesting and your supporters, please refrain from violence. Do not bribe your voters. Do not
threaten them. Your leadership qualities start now during the campaign and polling period. It does not start when you are elected into office.”
“The police force and our sister security forces stand between right and wrong. We are duty-bound to provide
the environment where our people can exercise their rights, responsibly, wisely and without fear or favour, threats and intimidation.”
Commissioner Manning said we can only do so much because of our limitations. He has appealed to the people of PNG to come together and stand united with us as one; to take ownership of this election. Help us deliver a free, fair and safe national general election.
“Every member of the security forces, whether police, Defence, or Correctional Services, have a very huge responsibility to do their job honestly and without fear or favour. Do not take bribes. Do not allow illegal activities to take place. You have a duty first to your people to do the right thing.”
He reiterated the that Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. He said you are not just good men and women, you are much more. HE told members of the security forces that they have been given all the powers of the land and blessed by our almighty God to protect and serve our people.
“The future of PNG is in your hands. Give our people the confidence, safety and security they deserve so that they
can confidently and without fear or favour vote in the leaders of their choice. When good leaders are in office the nation will rejoice and be blessed.”
“Our challenges for the 2022 National General Elections are not only the people. We will be challenged by the weather as well as the terrain as we have experienced in previous elections. Conducting security operations in PNG has always been a major challenge but we have always managed to deliver peaceful, free, fair and safe national general elections over the years.”
“I am confident that this election will be no different.”