Defence Force wants to support police in LLG election

The National National

The PNG Defence Force will support police in the local level government election, despite not being asked to.
Commander Gilbert Toropo told The National that soldiers would support police in Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela during the election. Toropo said soldiers were already based in these provinces to address law-and-order issues, and would step in to help police during the LLG election if and when the need arose.
“For the upcoming LLG election, we will not be providing security but will be on standby to step in and assist whenever necessary,” he said.
“Our soldiers will continue on with their normal operations, protecting both land and sea borders.”
Toropo said that 346 troops were based in the Western End of the Highlands helping to address law-and-order issues, whiles others were working on roads in Madang and Lae.
Meanwhile, key dates for the LLG election are:

  • Issue of writs: Thursday, April 25 (4pm)
  • Nominations close: Thursday, May 2 (4pm)
  • Polling starts: Thursday, May 9
  • Polling ends: Wednesday, May 22; and,
  • Return of writs on or before: Thursday, June 13.