Police in New Ireland have begun community awareness ahead of the 2027 National General Election following an increase in the number of people moving into the province from other parts of the country.
New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Albert Beli said police had observed an influx of people into the province during routine policing and were working with community leaders to identify new arrivals as part of election preparations.
He said the changing population meant police needed updated voter data from the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission to effectively plan security operations for the 2027 polls.
“Based on my observations in Kavieng and across the four corners of the region, we are ready to deliver the 2027 National General Election.”
“We are prepared as police officers, though we will face other challenges when it comes to the actual polling dates,” Superintendent Beli said in a statement yesterday.
He said New Ireland had changed significantly since the 2022 National General Election, with more people relocating to the province after leaving Port Moresby and other centers.
“We have seen evictions in the nation’s capital and other parts of Papua New Guinea.”
“People who cannot make it in Port Moresby or elsewhere due to evictions are trying to return to their localities because of various issues, including tribal fights, economic challenges and other personal reasons,” he said.
Superintendent Beli said police were working closely with local leaders, government agencies, business houses and other stakeholders to maintain law and order before and during the election.
He said community awareness would continue to encourage residents to report unfamiliar people and support efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure election.
The Provincial Police Commander said despite the growing population and other challenges, police remained confident they were well prepared to deliver safe and orderly polling across New Ireland in 2027.