The 2022 Papua New Guinea general elections scheduled for next month pose a significant security risk to the nation says an academic.
University of Papua New Guinea's Okole Midelit said resource-constrained police and the correctional service, mass availability of illegal firearms, and the politicisation of the security force will present major issues during the election.
Photo: RNZ Pacific/Johnny Blades
Midelit said both the police and the correction services are operating without adequate funding.
He said the Royal PNG Constabulary needed around $US1.1 million to deliver its mandate.
PNG prime minister James Marape Photo: PNG PM Media
He said the low Covid-19 vaccination rates are also a concern - with only about three percent of the eligible population vaccinated.
"There is a need for ongoing efforts to improve security in PNG, not just for election security operations, but beyond the election cycle," Midelit said.
Last week, care-taker prime minister James Marape called for peace and order.
More than 200 people died in tribal violence during the 2017 General Election and Mr Marape said there will be zero tolerance this time.