Constabulary budgets K194mil for elections

THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has budgeted more than K194 million for operations in the 2022 general election, an official says.
PNG National Research Institute acting director Dr Osborne Sanida said as of this month, the Treasury Department had released K2.5 million to the constabulary.
He said with assistance from the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and Correctional Services, they were to provide a safe and secure environment for the election.
Dr Sanida said this was to avoid threats of manipulation of the electoral processes, intimidation of votes, destruction of ballot papers and election materials.
He added that this would also help avoid harm and violence against electoral staff in high-risk areas.
Dr Sanid said the cost would cover items including vehicle purchase and hire, uniforms, communications equipment, firearms and ammunition and air charters. He said these items required bidders to tender for them according to the Procurement Act (2018).