By MATTHEW VARI
DURING the welcome ceremony hosted by the police commissioner
for the reinstated Minister for Police,Nixon Duban condemned the actions
of police during the Madang Open by-election in regards to incidents at polling stations-
calling on the commissioner of police not to let such incidents from going
unchecked.
While reflecting on his election win, the now police minister
expressed his disappointment to Commissioner Tom Kulunga, on the actions of
officers and the Provincial Police Commander (PPC).
“Unfortunately in the elections, we did not have police
support for most of the election, which was one of the most disastrous
election.”
“Police were not participating saying they were not allowed
to participate as per the instructions of the PPC.”
“We had to become policemen ourselves to guard the
constitutionally sanctioned election process, and by law you have no right to
deny the participation as a constitutional officer so that was the biggest disappointment
I had during the by-election.”
The minister added that the situation could have created
chaos – saying all their efforts and resources could have been wasted in what
could have been a failed by-election.
“I cannot blame any other person than the PPC for not
providing the desired leadership at that time.”
“All of you have read and heard that ballot boxes were broken
right in front of the police station in front of the PPC.”
“As the minister I took note of those actions and should not
go unchecked and I want to report to the commissioner that in the future we
must not allow such to go unchallenged.”
The minister reiterated that officers had a duty under the
constitution to provide enforcement of law anytime whether they were in uniform
or not.
“So commissioner I want to raise to you my grievances- we
work hard to ensure that the integrity of this police force is protected.”
“The issues in Madang I will put in your good hands and
attention must be paid to it and not repeated in the future.”
He added that elections were a constitutional process;
therefore police have an obligation to protect the process so it can be
conducted transparently.
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