Police brace for firearms threat in 2027 elections

Police Commissioner David Manning says Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is anticipating the presence of illegal firearms during the upcoming national election, despite ongoing amnesty programs in parts of Highlands region.

Manning said weapons remain in circulation in volatile provinces including Enga, Hela, and parts of Southern Highlands, posing one of the biggest challenges to election security.

He said firearms are often used to incite violence, disrupt polling, and interfere with ballot box movements.

“The biggest enabler for disrupting national elections has always been the use of illegal firearms,” Manning said. “A successful election does not depend entirely on the RPNGC and Electoral Commission, it also depends on community participation in delivering a safe election.”

He said police are prepared to confront these risks, with operations designed to detect, deter, and neutralize offenders before they can disrupt the democratic process.

The Police Commissioner also called on communities in volatile provinces to work with police to ensure safety.

Meanwhile, the Constabulary is holding a week long planning meeting to prepare for the 2027 national election, where strategies to neutralize firearms and other security threats are being discussed.