Members of the security forces are duty bound to provide a conducive environment for people to vote without fear or favour, threats, intimidation or harassment says Divisional Commander for New Guinea Islands, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Perou N’Dranou.
Mr N’Dranou made this comment when he launched the deployment of police and other security forces at the Kalabond Field Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENBP) last week.
Mr N’Dranou said the election operations are always one of the biggest operations for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as well as its sister disciplinary forces, the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and the PNG Correctional Service (PNGCS).
He said the forces have been working well together to ensure a smooth run of the 2022 National General Election while maintaining law and order throughout the province and the country on a daily basis.
“We are duty-bound to provide a conducive environment for the people to exercise their democratic right to choose leaders freely without fear or favor, threats, intimidation, harassment or violence,” said Mr N’Dranou.
He said the mission of delivering a free, fair, safe and corruption free election comes with its own challenges given the difficult terrains of the country, the unpredictable weather and the on-going daily challenges faced by the security forces.
He thanked the people of ENBP and the New Guinea Islands region for their cooperation and support throughout the campaign phase.
Mr N’Dranou urged the people to take ownership of this election and continue supporting the security forces in achieving a free, fair and safe election. He further called on the candidates to manage their supporters and not disrupt any election process until the final outcome of the election.
“Do not bribe your voters, issue threats or use any form of violence on the people to vote for you,” ACP N’Dranou said.
He reminded the members of the security forces to take pride in their job and do it diligently and not to use the power vested upon them to do anything illegal.
“Remember our people depend on us for safety and security and will vote with confidence when their security is guaranteed. The country’s future is in our hands so you must be committed and do your jobs honestly,” ACP N’Dranou concluded.
Meanwhile, one-day polling started today for Hela Province. For the New Guinea Islands region polling has been scheduled from 4-8 July for East New Britain, Manus, and New Ireland provinces. West New Britain and the Autonomous region of Bougainville goes to the polls from July 4-11.