Sir John Pundari Warns PNG Police Against Political Interference Ahead of Elections

 Sir John Pundari Warns PNG Police Against Political Interference Ahead of Elections

Ahead of Papua New Guinea's next national election, Police Minister Sir John Pundari has put the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on notice, insisting officers honour the oath they swore and resist any attempt to let political interests shape their work.

The RPNGC's job, Sir John said, boils down to three core duties — protecting the public, enforcing the law and keeping the peace — and none of these can be compromised by outside political pressure.

 

He described policing as a high-stakes profession by nature, one where officers are regularly called upon to put community safety ahead of their own, even in dangerous situations.

That burden, the Minister said, intensifies significantly during election periods, with police expected to secure voters, candidates, election officials and public property, and to maintain order through every stage of campaigning, polling and counting.

Impartiality, Sir John stressed, is non-negotiable. He said the police uniform is meant to represent peace, fairness and the rule of law, and every officer wearing it must reflect those values.

"Standards start with you," he said, addressing officers directly and reminding them that they are the public face of the law, with a duty to lift their standard of conduct.

Sir John conceded that the force has had its share of failures but said the current moment presents an opportunity for change.

"This is the time to be better as we reset for the next 50 years," he said.

He said discipline needs to be instilled at home first before it carries over into the workplace, with officers expected to honour their uniform and everything that comes with it.

The Minister said the level of public confidence in police is a direct reflection of officer conduct.

"People should see a police officer and feel safe," he said.

Sir John warned that breaching the oath comes with consequences, revealing that the force's internal disciplinary system is already processing cases involving officers who failed to meet expectations.

He said the constabulary needs personnel who view policing as service to the people rather than just a job, noting that the oath carries real weight — a responsibility to protect both the nation and its citizens.

With the 2027 election approaching, Sir John said this responsibility will be tested more closely than ever, urging police to rise above political interference and stay committed to their duty.

He summed up the challenge facing the RPNGC as simple but critical: protect the people, enforce the law fairly, remain neutral, and safeguard the integrity of Papua New Guinea's democratic process.