BIRD CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE HALT TO PNGDF RECRUITMENT
BY NIGEL MADO
A call has been made in Parliament to immediately suspend recruitment into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force amid concerns that the process may be flawed and politically sensitive ahead of the 2027 elections.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged Prime Minister James Marape to intervene and halt ongoing recruitment until a formal investigation is carried out.
Governor Bird raised the issue during Question Time, warning that continuing recruitment under current conditions could undermine public trust and potentially affect the neutrality of security forces tasked with election duties.
“Can the Prime Minister order an immediate halt to the recruitment process pending an inquiry?” Bird asked.
The Governor’s concerns stem from findings of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Elections, where he suggested that issues surrounding recruitment practices could have broader implications for national security and democratic integrity.
Bird argued that with the country just a year away from the next general election, any perceived irregularities in the composition of the Defence Force could have far-reaching consequences.
Security forces, including the PNGDF, police, and correctional services, are key players in election operations, particularly in volatile regions such as the Highlands. Any doubts about their impartiality, Bird said, could jeopardize the credibility of the electoral process.
In response, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns but did not commit to halting recruitment. Instead, he emphasized that the matter is already under review, with a report expected from the Defence Minister and military leadership.
Marape cautioned against making assumptions before all facts are established, stressing the importance of due process and adherence to existing procedures.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the issue had already been raised within Cabinet and would be addressed through appropriate channels.
