Police launch Highlands Western Strategic Plan for NATEL 2027
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Chief Superintendent, Joseph Tondop has announced a new Highlands Western Division Strategic Plan aimed at ensuring a free, fair and safe National Election in 2027.
As Divisional Commander for the Highlands Western Division, covering Hela, Southern Highlands and Enga, Chief Supt Tondop said the plan was developed based on ground realities, police capacity and threat assessments.
"This Strategic Plan covers two phases. Phase 1 will run in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, and Phase 2 in the first and second quarters of 2027," he said.
The plan focuses on three key objectives:
1. Prevention of Democratic Subversion
2. Protection of Critical Economic Corridors
3. Containment of Small arms and light weapons (SALW) Proliferation
The expected outcomes are: secured voting spaces, guaranteed voter access, SALW mitigation, accountability for actions, and restored public trust in institutions.
"This strategy is anchored on Section 50 of the Constitution - the right to vote. Every eligible voter must be able to cast their vote without fear or intimidation," Supt Tondop said.
After consultations with Provincial Police Commanders and Provincial Security Coordinators, police have adopted what the commander calls a "force-multiplier" approach.
This includes community mobilisation and an Amalgamated Polling Booth Option, where multiple polling points are consolidated to concentrate security and reduce risks.
Key pillars include public awareness, education, civil society engagement, student leadership involvement, NGO partnerships, intelligence gathering, control of transport routes, and enhanced police force deployment.
Chief Supt Tondop identified major risks as political interference, SALW and ammunition supply, budget delays, and armed confrontations.
He called on stakeholders to support implementation starting in Q3 2026.
These include extractive resource companies, major businesses, international partners, provincial governments, DDAs, and GoPNG for election funding. Support is also needed from every LLG and Council Ward.
"I am also appealing to all tertiary students from Hela, SHP and Enga studying across PNG. We will work with your provincial education boards. Help us educate your people so we can deliver NATEL 2027 safely," he said.