Security personnel commence election operations

More than 1,000 security personnel from RPNGC, PNG Defence Force and Correctional Service will commence security operations in Eastern Highlands Province during polling.

Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Alex N’Drasel said 700 personnel from NCD, Lae and Madang will be joining the 316 local police officers.

Police from NCD and Lae, including CS officers have already arrived in the province.

PPC N’Drasel said the PNG Defence Force Quick Response Unit will be arriving this week.

The province has been divided into two commands for Election Security Operation - an Eastern and Western Command.

The Commanders of the two zones are responsible for security there.

The districts that have been identified as hotspots for possible election violence will have heavy police presence during polling.

Eastern Highlands Election Manager, Steven Gore Kaupa said security personnel will be escorting electoral officials with materials to polling venues commencing on the 23rd of June, and prepare for polling on the 26th.

Once polling in Eastern Highlands Province is completed, all security personnel will move to other provinces in the region.

Author: 
Charmaine Poriambep