Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands West and State of Emergency Controller in Porgera, Joseph Tondop, has called on citizens of the Porgera Paiela Electorate to participate peacefully and responsibly in the upcoming by-election on Thursday, July 17. The by-election follows the death of the late Honourable Maso Karipe, MP, in November 2023, and will see voters from the four Local Level Governments - Urban Porgera, Rural Porgera, Paiela Hewa, and Maip Mulitaka - select a new representative to the National Parliament. ACP Tondop confirmed that security personnel from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, and Enga have already been deployed to ensure a safe and secure polling environment. The Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) will oversee the movement and protection of ballot boxes, with key deployments in Mulitaka and Porgera. “We are fully prepared to support a peaceful election process,” Tondop said. “Despite recent law and order challenges in 2024, we have worked closely with local leaders and stakeholders to restore stability in the region.” He acknowledged the efforts of the Porgera District Development Authority, New Porgera Limited, the Chief Secretary to Government, and members of both the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) for their contributions toward restoring peace in the area. Tondop also addressed the risks posed by the presence of illegal firearms, calling the by-election “a test of our collective commitment to democracy and the rule of law.” He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that the election is conducted safely and fairly. “Let us take control through action and restore governance in this election. Fear no one but God, who will lead and protect us,” he said. He also warned that any election officials found to have vested interests would be “singled out and neutralised.” A pre-count of ballot papers is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at the Wabag Police Station under tight security. Due to high-risk concerns, all 16 polling locations for Paiela Hewa have been centralised to Paiam Station. Ballot boxes for Mulitaka will be securely held for 24 hours before polling begins. ACP Tondop concluded by urging all eligible voters to participate with integrity and help create a stable future for their children through peaceful and democratic means.