Papua New Guinea's Defence Force commander says it has prepared thoroughly for the general elections.
The PNGDF and Correctional Service are both contributing to the police-led security forces deployment of almost 10,000 personnel for the five yearly-election.
The PNGDF commander, Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo, said the army has conducted extensive preparation, training and planning for the operation.
Members of the PNG Defence Force meet their counterparts from New Zealand. Photo: supplied
He told EMTV News that 500 PNGDF personnel are committed to supporting the Electoral Commission as it manages polling next month.
"This is for all throughout the country. This is inclusive of pilots, and ships' crew, as well as those who will be deployed up into the Highlands. At the moment, we've had forward elements who are the advance party," said Gilbert Toropo.
Brigadier Toropo said as well as providing general security, the army will transport ballot boxes to and from the polling and counting areas.
The PNGDF commander joined the heads of the police force and Correctional Services at Friday's launching of the election security operation in Mt Hagen.
PNG security forces parade at the launch of the election security operation in Mt Hagen. Friday 26 May 2017. Photo: PNG EMTV online
Addressing the crowd, the police commissioner Gary Baki told the forces to take pride in their uniforms and ensure the 2017 National Election did not fail.
He told RNZ Pacific in March that security for this year's elections would be managed differently to previous polls.
Policing these elections in each province is to be managed by provincial and divisional commanders, rather than from Moresby, he said.
However, last week's security operations launch also included the initiation of a national communications centre, based in Port Moresby, which will connect security operations in various parts of the country.
Crowd at an election rally in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
Correctional Services were also contributing 500 staff for the elections effort.
The Correctional Services Commissioner Michael Waipo said their main focus would be on the prisoners, but that they would assist the police mobile squad with manpower.
Prisoners eligible for voting were those of voting age and who had been living in prison for more than nine months.
