Papua New Guinea Police have revealed the guns they want for the National Elections security operations have yet to be purchased.
Deputy Police Commissioner Anton Billie said the firearms might not be acquired in time.
PNG voters must dip a finger into indelible ink before voting, an effort to ensure they don't vote twice. Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades
The election writs are to be issued on 28th April, soon after which campaigning will start in earnest.
Billie said the normal process for procurement of ammunition and guns takes about six to eight months to organise as there were important protocols to follow.
But he said police will manage with the currently available stock until the new procurement
arrives.
A senior employee of the Police Department, who requested anonymity, said while there are strict procurement protocols in place, due to the urgency of the matter the force may be able to bypass some.
The source said this situation would not have come about had the funds for the purchase of the firearms
been released in November or December last year.