By GINNAH MINI
WITH the 2027 National General Election fast approaching, Commissioner of Police David Manning has assured Papua New Guineans that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully.
Speaking at the 2027 National General Election preparatory planning meeting at Dixie Bungalow in Port Moresby, Commissioner Manning said the RPNGC’s role is not to interfere in the electoral process but to maintain law and order so that every eligible voter can freely exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot.
He said lessons learned from the 2022 National General Election have informed preparations for 2027, with an expected increase in both voter numbers and electorates requiring enhanced planning and coordination by police.
“Our responsibility is to provide a safe and secure environment that enables people to freely exercise their right to vote,” Commissioner Manning said.
He informed the Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) and police personals attending the meeting that they should not determine outcomes and how elections should be conducted.
“Ours is a neutral and enabling partnership with the Electoral Commission (EC),” Commissioner Manning said.
“The responsibility of providing security for the election is ours, but that does not mean that there is a lesser degree of accountability in what we do.”
The Commissioner acknowledged the appointment of the new electoral commissioner and said that changes in leadership calls for police to reposition themselves in terms of expectations of the electoral commission.
Mr. Manning noted that a successful election depends on successful partnership between police and EC and also how the police is resourced in a timely manner.
He assured the PPCs that he is aware of what is needed on the ground and is working with the police to alleviate those pressures in preparation of the election.
“You all (deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, commanders, provincial commanders, directors, superintendents), are going to work as a team, let’s make sure that we get this election done on time,” Commissioner Manning said.
Mr. Manning urged RPNGC personnel attending the conference to work together as a team, provide the needed leadership and do the right thing for a successful election next year.