PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) — Security forces in Papua New Guinea are prepared to take tough action against anyone seen with guns during the elections, Police Commissioner Gari Baki warned.
Baki said elections are the only time people exercise their mandate to choose their leaders and his men will not tolerate anyone disturbing that process with the threat of guns.
He said a threat with guns is a threat to democracy and freedom of speech.
The commissioner said there are still many illegal firearms in the Highlands and little success in having them voluntarily surrendered, despite calls for individual leaders to take a leading role.
He warned against weapons being openly displayed during the campaign period and polling.
He said his men are under strict directives to “use all necessary force” to confiscate them.
“We cannot allow guns to make people choose leaders and candidates who choose to use that tactic should not contest and win. He has shown even before polling that he is not a capable leader by allowing and or encouraging his youths to use guns to intimidate voters,” Baki said.