With the assistance of sister forces and sister units, the PNG Defense Force, CS and Mobile Squad personnel, New Ireland Police say the are ready to provide security for the 2022 National General Elections. New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Felix Nebanat, speaking at the launching of the NATEL 2022 Provincial Security Operation, also thanked the Police Commissioner for the donation of two vehicles. PPC Nebanat says he is ready to freely, fairly, securely and safely execute security for the elections but that this has to be done in partnership with the people. He appealed to all New Irelanders to be security conscious during the election period, to remain vigilant and restrain from provoking election related offences. “Voting a leader to represent you in Parliament is your democratic choice, use it wisely. At the end of the day, it determines the quality of life you live back at home. Our paramount responsibility is to make sure that you are safe and secure,” PPC Nebanat said. Nebanat warned the general public and candidates, that Police will come down hard on anyone who may disturb the election process. “We are going to have you arrested and charged according to the provisions of the Law, be it electoral. crin1inal, summary offence or traffic law.” Nebanat says Police couldn’t carry out effective policing due to manpower issues. But now with reinforcements, they have a better capacity to do so. He urged the general public to adhere to basic traffic rules, as there will be road blocks and check points set up during this period. The PPC also warned candidates and the general public, not to abuse government assets for campaigning purposes, as Police will be forced to confiscate and impound thee assets and charge offenders. “I appeal to our candidates, supporters and the general public to help the Police in ensuring that transparency is maintained during the election, in order for it to be carried out with integrity. It is only fair, that all candidates are given the same privilege to exercise their rights freely to contest this election.” Nebanat appealed to his police personnel, to maintain their integrity during this period. He says police are duty bound to serve with honesty and transparency to prove themselves to the people and there should be no compromises. Police Officers going into the Polls are not to be affiliated with political parties, candidates, they should refrain from accepting bribery and getting involved in other activities that will jeopardize the integrity of the Force. He says Police must maintain that transparency now leading into the future to regain the trust from the community in the long run. “Meanwhile I am deeply grateful for our stakeholders and partners who have started supporting my office in curbing Law and Order in the Province. NATEL is a one-off event that happens every five (5) years. I thank my partners for supporting me during this period and I believe that after the fall of election, we will continue to partner in pursuing some of my initiatives that I have already embarked on.” “On another note, I am honored to re-iterate the Police Commissioners message to our Retirees. As your PPC, I want to thank you for your outstanding service. You have done tremendously in your service to the state, the people of Papua New Guinea and the people of New Ireland. On behalf of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the New Ireland Police, our stakeholders and partners, the people of New Ireland and my family, I wish you well in your future endeavors,” the New Ireland PPC said. In closing, PPC Nebanat urged people in New Ireland to take ownership and support the Police and other Disciplinary Forces and Electoral Commission to ensure a successful 2022 National General Elections.