The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has confirmed that Local Level Government (LLG) elections are proceeding with relative calm around the nation, though he raised concerns with tensions rising in the Nipa District, Southern Highlands Province.
“To this point in time, the LLG elections have been run relatively smoothly with only localised incidents reported” Commissioner Manning confirmed. “However, the situation in some parts of Nipa District is tense and I have directed Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr., as operations commander for LLG elections across the highlands western-end, to increase security presence to prevent any escalation of tensions.
“I am also calling on the elected and community leaders from Nipa to be present in the district to mediate and reduce tension between your people. “There is very little that can be achieved by these leaders sitting in Port Moresby, go and be with your people and work together to maintain clam.”As results are announced, the elected and community leaders must be with their people to prevent the supporters of losing candidates acting inappropriately.
“The eyes of the nation are on Nipa right now, and we do not want emotions in this district to get out of hand and undermine what is on target to be a successful local level election. The law-abiding citizens of Nipa should not be used as pawns by powerbrokers trying to exert their own political influence. “The Commissioner noted events in the past 24 hours that had seen some polling paused and ballot boxes returned to Mendi as had been an anticipated option in the security operation.
“In consultation with the Electoral Commission, polling in Upper Nipa and Lower Nipa districts was scheduled late in the polling-period to allow for normalisation of any community tensions.
This further increases the capacity of security force resources to be moved into the area as a show of strength if required to intervene. “As of 6 November 2025, Upper Nipa and Lower Nipa remain the sole districts in the region in which polling remains ongoing”.
Commissioner Manning confirmed that security forces continue to support the Electoral Commission in ensuring that all communities are afforded the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.”The Electoral Commission is tasked with ensuring democratic rights to vote are exercised and these processes run smoothly.”Security forces on the ground will contnue to support the Electoral Commission in delivering upon their mandate, however we will not tolerate any effort to incite community tension during these processes.
“Security forces and the Electoral Commission are determined to ensure calm prevails during this election, and anyone who steps out of line and tries to undermine the peace will be dealt with swiftly.