Security Tightens up in Port Moresby as 11th Parliament sits to elect Prime Minister

 Police in Port Moresby have secured and blocked of access to the Parliament area.  According to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu ''all access into and around the precincts of parliament is now closed to prevent unauthorized people from trespassing . 

The city's police chief said only leaders elected in the recent 2022 elections and parliamentary staff will be allowed access into the premises of parliament from today onward until the formation of the new government.

Mr Ikumu said no member of the Constabulary will be allowed to provide close protection security for the leaders when they are in camp or when they enter parliament. 

He said police have now cordoned off all access roads into parliament by setting up roadblocks at the roundabouts near Moresby Arts thearter and the national library, to stop and search vehicles moving in and out of parliament.  

He said employees of the court house and the nearby government offices and the national museum must provide their official ID cards to be allowed access through these security check points. 

The Metsup also appealed to city residents to stay away from parliament and watch the developments on TV in their homes or through social media on their mobile phones.

Meanwhile  Commander of NCD/Central Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Jr has said there will be additional manpower from Mobile Squad being brought in from outside of NCD to assist with the operation.

He further stated that apart from the formation of the Government,  Police will be carrying out normal operations through out the City to ensure that there is normalcy and that life must go on despite what will be taking place at the National Parliament.  

Security operations for counting venues for Moresby North East, Moresby North West Electorates and the NCD provincial seat is continuing. 

Police units have been assigned to specific tasks so this will not affect routine police operations. 

Mr Wagambie has assured the community that public safety is being maintained by Police.

Next : Live : PNG Parliament 11th Sitting and Election of Prime Minister