Central police start election awareness

POLICE in Central have started an election awareness campaign to ensure a free and fair national election this year.
Provincial police commander Acting Superintendent Laimo Asi said his team of officers would cover the four electorates of Kairuku/Hiri, Abau, Goilala and Rigo.
“The awareness campaign is phase one of the Central police command’s election operations plan,” Asi said.
The plan for the awareness campaign id divided into three phases. One is the pre-election operation which includes general awareness and intelligent gathering.
Second is the Election Proper operation which includes polling and counting.
Third is the post-election operation which is a mop up exercise including disruptions that may occur after the declaration of winning candidates.
He said from the National Population Census projection for 2017, Central would have a population of around 350,000.
The current police manpower includes 185 regular officers and 11 reservists.
“(Thus) the ratio of one policeman for every 3500 people in Central province is a concern,” he said.
“That’s why we hope that election awareness campaign will create a better understanding among the people to conduct a safe and free 2017 national election.”