News

Police ready for 2018 General Election

October 3, 2018 1:03 am

The Police Force is ready to provide security as the nation prepares for the polls to be held on November 14.

Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho has confirmed close to 2000 officers have been specifically tasked with election operation on the day.

Brigadier General Qiliho says all facets of security pertaining to the electoral process have been factored into their operations.

Article continues after advertisement

He says for now normal operations will continue together with routine policing work around the country.

“Yes the Fiji Police Force have been preparing well in advance with the SOE on training and dry runs on various scenarios over a long period of time. We had been postured ready for election since the completion of training. We’ve gone as far as getting our standing operating procedures for Elections and booklets printed on that which was vetted by the Supervisor of Elections before we came to the final product that we’re ready to work with now… So yes we’re ready for elections with the date that has been announced.”

He adds police officers will be present at pocket meetings and political campaigns as civilians and members of the public.

However, officers will only step in to deal with issues if police action is required.

Meanwhile, Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem says only police officers will provide security to the ballot boxes during the elections.

“Fiji Police force has been provided with adequate budget, training and resources to ensure that they provide election time security and no private security has been involved.”

Saneem also clarified the Fijian Elections Office won’t hire any private security firm for any security purpose during the election.