The top echelon of the Royal Papua New Constabulary concluded a high-level meeting last week aimed to firm down on the 2022 National General Election security operation plans in Port Moresby.
The two-day conference was attended by Assistance Police Commissioners, Police Commissioner David Manning, Deputy Commissioner Operations Anton Billie and the National General 2022 Planning Team, as well as PNG Defence Force and Correctional Services officials. The conference began last Thursday and ended on Friday with the team committed to delivering the security overlay required for the elections around the country.
Last week marked the end of the planning phase with the transition now into the pre-deployment and operation proper phases.
Commissioner Manning when receiving briefs from respective Commanders assured them that the security deployment will proceed as planned and there is no room for complacency nor will the Constabulary retreat from its constitutional duty to provide the conditions necessary for the PNG Electoral Commission to conduct the 2022 National General Elections.
“Election operations are not a new thing to most of us and I’m sure your plans are based on past operational experiences and imminent threats assessments within your respective commands,” Mr Manning said.
He said in times where the Constabulary lacks the necessary resources it demands experience and good leadership to deliver the expected outcomes for a free, fair and safe national general election.
He told the Assistant Commissioners, “You have been bestowed with this position based on your leadership and experiences and I have no doubt each of you will demonstrate those qualities during this election period.”
Mr Manning said the conference last week marked the transition from planning into operation mode, adding that “the election security operations will proceed as planned with no retreat”. The Commissioner said that the security forces will deliver the election security operations regardless of resource issues or changes to the election dates.
The conference was also attended by the Electoral Commissioner and Senior officers form the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the PNG Correctional Services.