Police Commissioner David Manning said security has always been critical in the conduct of elections in Papua New Guinea.
In light of an increased threat and risk assessment on counting centres in the highlands and parts of the coastal region, Mr Manning said the Joint Security Task Force for the 2022 National General Election has advised the PNG Electoral Commissioner, Mr Simon Sinai, to conduct counting as soon as security personnel are on the ground.
He said the security forces are now being preoccupied with the extension of polling in various parts of the highlands due to election related violence. He said it is only sensible then for the PNGEC to assess the situation in light of that and make its decision accordingly.
“To proceed to count without the presence of adequate security personnel will be at the risk of the Electoral Commissioner and his officers,” Mr Manning said.