By GINNAH MINI
THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is prioritising national stability, deterring election-related violence, protecting democratic processes and supporting civil au thorities to ensure a safe and peace ful 2027 National General Election (NGE), Deputy Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Opa Lari says.
Brigadier General Lari made the statement on Friday during the Special Parliamentary Committee hearing on the 2027 General Election at the State Function Room, Parliament House. He said the PNGDF had prioritised rapid deployment capabilities, intelli gence coordination, joint training and logistical preparedness to support police and election officials throughout the election period.
General Lari welcomed the K22.5 million supplementary budget allocation for election preparations, saying the PNGDF secretary was working to ensure the funds were released. He admitted that the force was behind schedule in its procurement processes but said the funding would help prioritise operational requirements.
“We are behind time in our procurement processes as well, but with this funding, we intend to prioritise costs related to conducting and shaping the operation,” he said.
He said part of the funding would be used to train PNGDF personnel in preparation for the 2027 election. Brigadier General Lari also said the PNGDF was supporting the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in weapons surrender initiatives in the Highlands region to improve election security.
He said the force would prioritise preparations in provinces where weapons were being surrendered, emphasising the importance of ensuring the process was completed, including the destruction of surrendered weapons.
“That’s something that we will prioritise so that we prepare each of those provinces where weapons are being surrendered,” he said.
“What we would like to see is for the process to be carried out fully up to the destruction of the weapons.”
Brigadier General Lari said the PNGDF’s operational plans were progressing in consultation with the RPNGC and other security agencies.
However, he called on the Electoral Commission to provide polling locations to help the defence force plan its deployments and allocate personnel according to operational needs and capacity.