K194mil sought for elections

The National Main Stories

POLICE Minister William Onglo and Police Comm David Manning say the constabulary is seeking a budget of K194.1 million for the general election 2022.
Manning told The National that the breakdown for the security budget comprised K48 million for transport, K47.6 million for allowances and K43.9 million for travel, including air support.”
The National understands that the balance includes:

  • PLANNING, coordination, training and welfare – K17.1 million;
  • EQUIPMENT – K16 million;
  • COMMUNICATIONS – K10.6 million;
  • THREAT mitigation and awareness – K9.7 million; and,
  • K1.2 million for the formation of new government.

Onglo said 79 election petitions were filed in 2017 from the polling and counting areas but “we will now come up with a good plan”.
“Election in the country has recorded violence and the aftermath of the election are the election petitions,” he said.
“This is the uncertainty for any elected member of parliament which is a long process for some.
“Emphasis will be on the polling and counting to ensure the long drawn-out process will not hamper an MP’s term. Pre-planning starts next month, all governors and members will participate to ensure policing is everybody’s business”
Comm Manning said the planning for the joint security operations (police, PNG Defence Force, Correctional Services) will start when the warning orders were out.
“The concept of operations for the general election 2022 was presented to the Office of the Commissioner and approved. The general orders are being drafted,” he added.
Three parts to the joint security operations:

  • PRE-NATIONAL election operations;
  • ELECTION proper; and,
  • POST election operations.

“The police are negotiating with the Treasury to release funds to start preparing for the first phase of the operation which include intelligence gathering, community policing, media and publication, and pre-deployment training of the integrated joint security forces,” Comm Manning said.
“We currently have a strength of 6,700 police personnel nationwide. There are currently 548 members retiring this year as they have reached the compulsory retirement age, so we will have just over 6,000 manpower strength by December.
“However, we expect to boost our numbers to 10,000 with the engagement of reserve police members and the inclusion of PNG Defence Force and Correctional Services personnel.