GE22 largest security op: Manning

General Election 2022 (GE22) is the single largest internal security operation in the country, Police Commissioner David Manning says.
He made the remarks during a nationwide launching of the joint security forces Quick Responses Force (QRF) deployment at the Pope John Paul Oval in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, on Friday.
Manning reminded QRF members the sole purpose of the GE22 operation deployment and urged them to be good ambassadors of their respective forces.
“Every five years we, the state security forces, come together to ensure we protect the democratic process that is the national election,” he said.
“The eyes of the world will be on us.
“It is not only a critical time in the political life of our country but equally for our people as well.”
Manning has also asked QRFs to work with communities to deliver a free, fair, safe and corrupt-free GE22.
“In the course of this operation, we will be subject to scrutiny, criticism and deliberate acts designed to bring the operation into disrepute,” he said.
“This is expected and we must not allow this to distract us from our efforts.”
The parade was attended by numerous partners assisting in this operation, including the head of the Australian Defence staff, Military Attaché of the Indonesia and the United States Embassies, New Zealand Defence Attaché, as well as the Defence Attaché of the Chinese Embassy.

ADF personnel deployed to help in polls

A HUNDRED and 32 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have been deployed to help out in the General Election 2022 (GE22), says ADF Wing Commander Mick Rouhan.
He said their deployment was at the request of the Papua New Guinean Government to provide planning and logistics amiability for GE22.
Rouhan, who was at the dispatching of ballot papers and GE22 materials last week, said the ADF’s logistic support was to deliver ballot papers. He said the materials would be transported by two aircraft provided by the ADF.
“The aircraft will be transporting GE22 materials and personnel from Port Moresby into the provinces” Rouhan said.
He added that the cost of the amiability ADF and the Australian government were providing towards the GE22 was entirely upon them.
Rouhan said the 132 personnel would be based in Port Moresby to provide support throughout the GE22 period.
“From an ADF perspective, we will provide the three aeroplanes and planners will be based at the Electoral Commission sitting alongside Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai,” he said.
“The planners were tasked to provide operational plan on paper before anything would be put on the ADF aircraft.”
Rouhan said they were happy to be in the country to help during GE22 and were aware of the laws.

Commander says Central police ready for polling, counting

CENTRAL commander Supt John Midi says police are ready for General Election 2022 (GE2022) polling and counting operations.
Midi said deployment for the polling period would take place this week.
“The people of Central have to be assured that police have a good plan for operations during polling and counting,” Midi said.
He urged the people to have a clear approach to electing their leaders.
Midi said Central people should have an individual approach during campaigning and polling to avoid unnecessary violence.
“Avoid getting involved in a group.
“Go as an individual and choose who you aspire to be your leader,” he said.
He said it was in line of police duty to ensure people were not influenced by others when casting their votes.
“Candidates should be reminded not to conduct dirty campaigns that would cause problems between supporters,” he said. Midi called on candidates and their supporters to respect the rule of law during campaigning and polling.
He said Central police were working on providing a toll free number for the province to report any crime.