Funding delays threaten security operations for Morobe’s LLG and Kabwum by-elections

With polling days fast approaching for Local Level Government [LLG] and district by-elections, police in Morobe and surrounding provinces under the Northern Command say they are prepared to provide security but a critical lack of funding is threatening their operations.

Despite the National Government’s announcement of K90 million allocated for the conduct of the LLG and by-elections, not a single toea has been received by Morobe Province to date.

Assistant Commissioner of Police [ACP] for Northern Command, Peter Guinness, said while his officers are ready for deployment, they cannot carry out operations without financial support.

He said they are prepared but without the promised funding, it will be extremely difficult to deploy officers to the designated election areas, particularly in Kabwum and Usino-Bundi.

Guinness said effective policing during the elections hinges entirely on the timely release of funds. Without it, efforts to maintain law and order at polling sites could be severely compromised.

Morobe provincial election manager Simon Soheke echoed these concerns, stressing that the funding delay is already undermining critical security preparations.

He said the government must take this issue seriously as security is a vital part of any election. Soheke said they cannot afford the same setbacks, especially in the Kabwum by-election.

He is now appealing directly to the National Government for urgent intervention and immediate release of funds to ensure polling proceeds without disruptions or safety risks.