NIP PPC URGED SECURITY PERSONNEL TO SAFEGUARD ELECTORAL PROCESS

PICTURE CAPTION: NEW Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Albert Bellie

BY FRANKIY KAPIN in KAVIENG

NEW Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Albert Bellie has urged the 250 plus security personnel engage in providing security for the New Ireland Province By-Election, to safeguard the electoral process and its implements’, ensuring process is not distracted until final extraction of ballots to designated areas for the next step to be counted.

The security personnel include, 20 correctional service officers, commissioned and non-commissioned police officers as well the MS 18 from Tomaringa in East New Britain.

PPC Bellie said, maintaining discipline of the mandatory role of policing and enforcing it rightfully during and after polling and complying to the electoral process is paramount.

The New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Albert Beli remarked in his overview of the New Ireland by election that is currently underway in the province.

Chief Superintendent Beli said police manpower will be downsized during counting to minimise on expenses.
He said so far the general outlook is calm and peace is maintained, thanking the people as they continue with their daily living and chores as usual.

PPC Beli reminded candidates and their supporters to lead by example as this is a numbers game and it’s the people who make the decision during polling.

“One has to win is the name of the game and we are all here to support,” PPC Beli said.

Polling began at the start of the week in all 10 LLGs of the province but at respective dates scheduled to be completed by end of this month.

PPC Beli acknowledged that counting will be centralized at the Peter Torot center in Kavieng town and he hopes counting is done during daytime only but yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile speaking as deputy liquor licensing chairman of the province, he cautioned business houses and the public to refrain from operating into odd hours as well abide by set regulations.