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Voter registration hits a snag on Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

VOTER registration, particularly on Malaita, may have hit a snag over inadequate allowances with assistant voter registration officers threatening sit-in protest unless the Electoral Commission steps in to resolve the matter.

The Electoral Commission is paying $150-a-day allowance across the board for assistant registration officers and their helpers (carriers. The amount is said to cover subsistence allowance as well as a touring allowance.

Some assistant registration officers told Island Sun over the weekend the across-the-board allowance is “unfair and inadequate”.

“It fails to take into accounts the hardships being faced by those who would do the enumeration in the hinterland of Malaita.

“Take for example those who would be doing the registration work deep inside the mountainous region of East Kwaio. They would need extra payment to account for the hardships they face and the hard work in getting the papers to villages in the mountains,” one officer told Island Sun.

“We are planning a sit-in protest unless the Electoral Commission increases the allowance by $50 for each of the registration officers and their carriers.”

The officer said the allowance should never be calculated across the board because it fails to take into account situations in all 14 constituencies on Malaita.

“We have for example officers who would be doing their work in villages along the coasts where things are a lot easier. In East Kwaio and parts of East and West Are Are, the situation is entirely different as voter registration officers and their helpers have to climb mountains after mountains for hours to get to any village.

“Our helpers would be carrying lots of boxes and these are pretty heavy. I think it is only fair their efforts are recognised. We are appealing to the Commission to review the allowances so that the registration work is not unnecessarily disrupted,” the officer said.

Smoking pilot strikes again

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Smoking pilot

Plane skis to a U-turn at Taro airport, SolAir blames mechanical fault & bad runway

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SOLOMON Airlines is again under the spotlight as reports surface that a trip to Taro mid last month had ended up in a near-disaster landing. The pilot is none other than the controversial expat dubbed by media as the ‘Smoking Pilot’.

Island Sun has also been reliably informed that management have kept the incident under the wraps, and no action has been taken on the responsible pilot, two weeks on.

Passengers of flight IE352 thought they were witnessing their final hours as the Twin Otter made a speedy bumpy landing and skid uncontrollably along the whole runway. Upon reaching the end of the runway, the plane reportedly skid a sharp U-turn to a halt.

Speaking to Island Sun, a passenger in that near-fatal trip, speaking on condition of anonymity, admits that he was praying for his life, fearing just when the plane would flip over.

“I’ve just returned from the province, and am shocked that this incident is not in the media despite it being more serious than other incidents which are minor in comparison but have been reported. The incident took place on August 14, that’s like two weeks ago, but there is just silence even from the SolAir.”

The passenger describes horrifying details of the dangerous landing they were subjected to under SolAir’s supposedly Check & Trainer Captain.

“The plane was a full house. And, I noticed as we were lowering to land that the plane did not slow down as usual, which struck me as odd.

“The jolt of that bumpy touch down still haunts me, and the erratic skiing of the plane towards the end of the runway was deathly terrifying.

“But worse was that 180 degree U-turn at the end of the runway where we thought the plane was going to flip over,” said the passenger, who is a frequent flyer of that route.

The passenger adds that one thing they noticed after making their hasty exit from the plane was the direction of the wind sock, which pointed in such a way to indicate that they had landed with the wind behind them.

“We were quite shocked to see this and it added to our anger that the pilot had landed us with the wind blowing us on. The airlines management should take immediate action on this pilot.

“We recognise him [the pilot] from the media reports as the one in the smoking incident in Rennell and the burst tyre incident in Honiara during a training session.

“Solomon Airlines, what are you waiting for before you act? Are you waiting for lives to be lost before you act on this pilot?” the passenger asks.

When queried on the matter, Solomon Airlines CEO Brett Gebers on Saturday said, “The incident that you have referred to has been fully documented and is being investigated by the Airline’s Safety Department. No fault is attributable to the crew who were suddenly faced with a very difficult situation which they dealt with perfectly. The combination of a mechanical fault and a very wet and slippery runway led to the incident. I am thankful that we had a very experienced Captain flying the aircraft as his skill and experience ensured a safe outcome.”

Gebers, who also holds the position of Chief Pilot, says that this is not the first time for such incident to happen in Taro.

“The same type of incident has happened on several occasions over the past 20 years,” said Gebers.

“Many of the runways to which we operate have received no maintenance for the past 30 years and as a consequence most have poor drainage which often leads to soft muddy areas that are not apparent from the air. We rely on our agents at the airports to report on the runway conditions.

“We are constantly criticised by the travelling public for cancelling flights to airports which we know are waterlogged. The safety of all comes first and we will always take appropriate action to ensure everyone remains safe despite the inconvenience it may cause. We have had to suspend operations to Suavanao for the past few weeks due to holes in the runway making it unsafe.

“All of our aircraft are flown by a crew of two pilots, both of whom have clearly defined roles and duties as the pilot flying and as the pilot who is monitoring. When a finger is pointed at one of the pilots, the other is automatically implicated because his or her actions or inactions play a significant role in the outcome of every flight.

“No matter how hard people try, the smoking incident and a mechanical failure cannot be linked. Trying to link them is not helping anyone.” Said CEO Gebers.

Speaking to Island Sun on Friday night, on condition of anonymity, a top brass in the airline independently confirmed management having received report of the incident.

The source also confirmed to Island Sun that the pilot involved is the same pilot behind the Smoking Incident in Rennell earlier this year, and the burst tyre incident at the Honiara airport; both incidents are understood to be the first of their kind.

“Yes, the pilot in the Taro incident is the same one in the earlier incidents of smoking in the pilot cockpit in Rennell and the burst tyre during a check and training session in Honiara.

“He is Ray McLellan, from Australia who was brought in by CEO Brett Gebers and Bill Tyson with the announcement that Mr McLellan would bring in much needed experience and improvement to the domestic service, early this year.”

The source also adds that McLellan has already received a warning letter for one of the two previous incidents, an action by management which the source believes to be ‘too light for a serious offence’.

Island Sun is following up on this matter, and is seeking comments from relevant authorities.

Certain sections of new electoral act to be enacted for 2019 elections

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Election

By Gary Hatigeva

WITH its passage in parliament last week, the government together with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), are working to have certain sections of the act enacted to be used in the upcoming 2019 National General Elections (NGE).

This was revealed by the SIEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mose Saitala, during his meeting with the local media last week.

Amongst those revealed are the provision for a campaign period, pre-polling for officials who will be on duty during election, provision allowing electors to register and vote in constituencies other constituencies if they fulfil the definition of an ordinary residence in the new act.

Otherwise, most of the included sections to be enacted are administration matters, which will deal with how the electoral commission is operated including powers and functions of certain heads within the institute, and conduct of election.

According to his presentation on the changes and additional sections made in the new electoral act, the new Commission requires a Chairperson to be an eminent person appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the JLSC.

The commission will now have four members that include the Chairperson, two members plus the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), who based on the new act, does not have voting right when the Commission makes decision.

Others include the status of a candidate, whom according to the new act, must be a registered voter in order to be a candidate to contest election for the National Parliament.

Nomination fee to be a candidate is $5,000 – non-refundable, and Filing of nomination must now be done in person because their (candidates) facial photo will be taken when filing nomination

Since independence, candidates were allowed to maximise their spending up to $50,000 but parliament has passed for all campaign expenses be increased to $500,000, which went down well with most members who agreed that costs involved in all aspects of preparing and movement have also increased, and the amount, though small, some said, but at least it is reasonable for now.

A few amendments were passed for the election ballot paper, and that will include candidate’s name, facial photo, symbol and the square box where the voter will tick to indicate his/her choice from the candidates.

The amendments also included the status of symbols on the ballot paper, where parliament through the new act, where allocation for independent candidate will still be optional.

“No symbol will be allocated if the candidate does not want it,” the SIEC CEO added.

However, in the case of a political party candidate, it is compulsory for the political party symbol to be used alongside the candidate’s name, but the SIEC CEO explained that based on parliament’s agreements for the 2019 NGE, candidates can use another symbols, but has to be approved by their party executives.

CEO Saitala then revealed that the Commission is now working on making arrangements for persons with disabilities, and that several measure are being put in place to help disabled voters to access polling stations.

However, the Commission is working on proposals to have separate polling booths for people with special needs, which is looking to have it approved in the next house, for the 2023 national general elections.

Another area the commission said will be enacted for the 2019 National General Election is on voting hours, which has been a big concern for both candidates and voters who in many cases, denied their rights to vote, where ques or lines are turned away after closing time.

The new act maintains the original opening and closing timeframe for voting, which runs from 7am to 5pm, and parliament has amended and agreed that those already waiting in the line to vote will be allowed to vote, but has to be within the polling premises or compound.

“Nobody should join the line after 5pm.”

On the issue of announcing election results, the new act has maintained that any announcement of result of an election is still a function of the Returning Officer for individual constituencies, the announcement of result nationwide will however, be done by the Electoral Commission and not by the Governor General, as it has always been since independence, but will only be provided with the final list of winners for his assent.

A controversial provision was also inserted and approved by parliament, for the republication of final list of voters but no later than 30 days after the national election results were gazetted, and this according to officials, will indicate who actually cast their votes.

Based on this, the SIEC CEO assured that with the new measure used on the status of the ballot paper, no candidates or officials will be able to know who electors have voted for.

Another assurance in the new act was on the timeframe given to deal with petition cases from elections, which provided for the Courts to decide on any election petition within 12 months from the date the petition was filed, and this will surely ease the frustrations on petitioners, many of who their cases have been dragged on for almost a whole life span of parliament house.

Arrest shows Janus still alive and kicking

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PC Mathew Varley

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley has revealed during a press conference on Friday last week that the anti-corruption taskforce, JANUS, has made another arrest.

He said that the suspect is from the Ministry of Agriculture and is alleged of having attempted to bribe another public official in relation to their duties

Varley said the accused has appeared in court was bailed to appear again on September 12.

He said the arrest reflects that behind the scene JANUS is continuing with the investigation on allegation against corruption across the public service and also to other cases of corruption more.

These cases are complex and require a lot of evidence to prosecute as we have seen in the past and we are continuing and committed our efforts to address corruption in the country, Commissioner Varley said.

He said the work of the Taskforce Janus and also the RSIPF corruption targeting team continues daily.

“As I have said before we are always working on those cases there are many that we are working on and people should not assume that those cases are not continuing investigated in the background,” Varley said.

Obviously taskforce JANUS is a cooperatively team between the RSIPF and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and quite number of cases are before them that they are working on.

Therefore he said that details into case against the Agriculture officer are before the court and he will not disclose anything at this stage, Varley said.

Voter Registration starts today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Polling Assistants at Gizo Polling 'A' assisting voters during the voting.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

VOTER Registration for the upcoming 2019 National General Election (NGE) starts today.

This is according to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) through via Telekom text messages yesterday for the whole country.

SIEC strongly reminds that the Voter Registration targets new voters (18 yrs), those who missed out in the past and those who went to update their details.

“Visit your nearest Voters Registration Centres (VRC) to register and update your voter details. The VRC is at the Polling Station where one last voted,” advices SIEC.

“If you already registered and voted during the 2014 NGE and do need to change anything or update your details then you do not need to register again.”

SIEC clarifies issues surrounding awareness and campaign activities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala

By Gary Hatigeva

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) says awareness is a different form of activity compared to that of campaigning, whether it is the national or provincial elections, but warned that that campaigns must be done within the legal timeframe as stated in the new act.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala explained this during a press conference held at the Commission’s Headquarter on Thursday last week.

This also comes following reports of such activities is said to be on the rise, in Honiara and in constituencies throughout the country.

Now that it has been passed and waiting on the Governor General to assent it, which according to Mr Saitala, should be done within this week, the legal campaign period starts after the GG’s announcement date for election and ends 24 hours before the election day.

Based on the CEO’s explanation, intending candidates are expected to highlight the importance of getting electors to vote, why they needed to vote and how they can vote and other related areas, and this according to officials, is very much playing the role on behalf of the SIEC.

That according to CEO Saitala is what awareness should be about and not trying to influence or force electors to vote for one particular candidate, and added that the two terms must not be mixed up.

Saitala further added that there are certain candidates who are actually campaigning under the guise of awareness talks.

He said to hold awareness talks is not a problem, however, the nature of the awareness program is always the case that indicates obvious campaigning, and that according to the SIEC CEO, has to stop.

“If someone knows that they are already doing that, and you are acting on behalf of an intending candidate or you are an intending candidate, I think you should stop,” he said.

“Raising awareness is different; raising awareness is about helping voters to access voting services during the registration period or election.”

He then stressed that talking strategies and plans including agenda for campaigning is not wrong, but it has to be within a candidate’s team of campaigners and managers, not with the public.

He further explained that everything highlighted are in breach of the new electoral act and anyone caught breaching them will pay heavy penalties, some of which will go as high as $50,000.

The SIEC CEO warned that the law not only applies to candidates, but so as agents and other players of candidates who will or have tried to lure support and votes for their masters especially, outside of the legal campaign period.

Mr Saitala however urged that if people have any complaints regarding candidates whom they think are carrying out campaigns in the name of awareness or are actually campaigning, could be a fact for investigation.

“From now on if anybody complains about this and they can substantiate that, it will be a fact for investigation,” he said.

Saitala said the Electoral Commission will rely heavily on the support and assistance of the Solomon Islands public, especially the eligible voters, in dealing with matters that might temper with certain phases of the Registration Process.

Out of constituency registration for Honiara only

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE out of constituency registration will only take place in Honiara.

This is to help working people residing in Honiara not to go back home for register during this registration phase.

However, during the period of voting phase voters will went back to their respective constituency to cast their ballots.

There will be no out of constituency voting, which was already confirmed to this paper by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Moses Saitala

The above sentiments were highlighted at the recent training for media personnel hosted by SIEC to make sure effective and balance reporting is carried out.

“Who’s next?”

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Rick Hou

MPs face arrest as Janus springs back to life

 

By Alfred Sasako

A number of members of Parliament face imminent arrest, as the nation’s anti-corruption crack unit – JANUS – sprang into action last week after months in limbo.

At least four Members of Parliament face arrest, sources told Island Sun over the weekend.

The news of the imminent arrest of national politicians is strengthened by reports that Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela has given Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley, the all-clear for the arrest of officials and MPs once police have established sufficient grounds to act.

The timing of the arrest of politicians is not clear, but those in the know say it could happen immediately or later this year after Parliament is dissolved on December 17.

“This is the best timing and the Police Commissioner has been given the all-clear in no uncertain terms to act,” one source told Island Sun on the weekend.

“There were far too many political considerations in the past. It tied down the Police Commissioner’s hands. Now it is a different time, and the Commissioner is free to act independently without fear or favor as provided for in the Constitution,” the source said.

The news of potential arrest of MPs emerged as JANUS – the anti-corruption crack unit – pounced once more.

Last Wednesday, JANUS arrested Lino Houmaha, the Principal Accountant of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and charged him with one official count of official corruption, allegedly involving a $5,000-bribery.

Houmaha appeared briefly at the Magistrates Court last Wednesday when he was charged with one count of official corruption.

Police expect to lay more charges. He was released on bail and will appear in court again on September 12, 2018.

His arrest follows an internal audit of the $4 million funding allocated for the Waisisi Palm Oil Project in West Are Are. The five-year funding started in 2012.

Internal auditors of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury undertook the initial investigation, which police say is continuing. More arrest could follow as police believe Houmaha was not acting alone.

Soccer stalemate

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.

THE national women’s soccer side fought out a nil-all draw against hosts Fiji in match day two of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier currently underway at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

The draw proved that the two teams are inseparable meaning they are forced to continue sharing top spot in the standings, with Fiji goal difference giving them a slight advantage.

In the other match, Vanuatu has bagged their first points of the competition after edging American Samoa by a goal to nil.

The match between Solomon Islands and Fiji was the top-of-the-table clash. A win by either side could have seen one of those two teams take a clear lead in the standings.

By fulltime however, the match was scoreless, leaving the battle for the top spot to remain open and will have to be decided on match day three later this week.

Knowing what is at stake in this competition, Solomon Islands and Fiji came out determined to play the best football possible which meant strong defending.

That left little opportunity for the attacking side of the game for either side.

That’s not to say they weren’t without their chances.

Cema Nasau, Luisa Tamanitoakula and Trina Davis looked as threatening yesterday as they did in their opening match against Vanuatu, however Margaret Kofela and her backline were more than up to the challenge.

At the other end Ileen Pegi and Laydah Samani once again led the Solomon Islands offensive efforts but like their opponents, couldn’t find a way to break down that final line.

After playing out the first 45 minutes scoreless, there remained the whole of the second half for one of the side’s to gain an advantage.

On the stroke of the hour, Solomon Islands created a wonderful opportunity when Imelda Tehekeni sent the ball over the backline for Crystal Bakalo to give chase. The veteran striker controlled the ball down well pulling it back for an arriving Laydah Samani who left the woodwork shuddering with her powerful strike.

That chance signalled a lift in intensity from the Fijians who realised how close they had come to falling behind, and they launched a wave of attacks on the Solomon Islands goal which had Margaret Kofela working overtime to keep them out of her goal.

As the clock counted down Fiji continued to put pressure on the Solomon Islanders however were unable to find a much coveted goal.

Fiji’s Marika Rodu said the approach from Solomon Islands was well thought through and well executed.

“They were a team that had a deep block, deep into their territory, which was hard to break down,” Rodu explained.

“We worked on few ways to try and break this stubborn defence but we were not technical enough to keep the ball and move this defensive block out of the way.

“It was expected to be a tough game, Solomons would have watched our game against Vanuatu and they’ve drawn up a very tough game plan, then they were much disciplined in executing it so hats off to them.”

Although Fiji sought a win and three points to secure their place at the top of the standings, Rodu said despite that not being the case today (yesterday) he remains optimistic of their chances.

However with that optimism also comes the need to continue tidying things up on the field.

“We need to be more patient with the ball. We lost possession because we forced the game too much. We need to maintain good organisation at the same time.”

Taking a point from the match was a heartening result for Solomon Islands coach Diane Justus who admitted that Fiji were a stronger side.

“The result is satisfactory for us because we knew this Fijian side was a better side than us, they had the advantage of more supporters here but we managed to get over that challenge,” she said.

“I’m very excited because our girls did what we planned to do, even though we knew it was not going to be easy.

“Everybody just gave more than 100 per cent and it worked so we’re excited to still be in the running to qualify.”

Fiji and Solomon Islands remain locked on four points each, with Vanuatu just a point behind them with three making Thursday’s final match day a crucial one for the three sides.

Malaita welcomes reparation bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Director of MNURP-Malaita Province Genesis Kofana.

MORE than 100 traditional and community leaders around Malaita province have welcomed the proposed Reparation Bill which is aimed at addressing outstanding issues triggered by the Solomon Islands ethnic tension and the effects of the Bougainville Crisis.

A joint government team from the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNRUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with representatives of other line ministries have held consultations on the bill at Buma Village in West Kwara’ae over two days to gather the views of Malaitan people on the bill.

The consultation process will be helpful to assist in the formulation of the Reparation Bill and to develop a Reparation Policy Framework that will address outstanding grievances stemming from the two conflicts.

Director of the Peace and Reconciliation Division, Reuben Lilo said the consultation process is the first step towards drafting of the bill and the formulation of a policy framework that will guide the reparation process.

The reparation process is one of the priority areas of the ruling Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) under its Peace Rehabilitation Policy.

Many Solomon Islanders have been victimised during the two conflicts and the national government is moving towards addressing their outstanding grievances in order to re-establish lasting peace in the country.

The Reparation process is one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report and the SIDCC Government is keen to seriously pursue it with the aim to re-establish lasting peace in Solomon Islands.

The TRC report has recommended the enactment of a Reparation Act to provide a legal framework for the reparation process.

The Reparation Act will also guide the establishment of a Solomon Islands Reparation Commission (SIRC) as well as the drawing up of a Comprehensive Reparation Plan (CRP) to support the administration of the reparation process.

Many speakers including traditional leaders, ex-combatants, women and youth representatives said the bill is a welcoming development that will lead towards the re-establishment of peaceful co-existence in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, MPA for Ward 16, Finley Fiumae said Malaita Province appreciates this proposed bill which it believed will address Malaitans’ outstanding grievances during the tension.

“We are hopeful that this bill will be passed so that the pain and suffering endured by Malaitans during the tension are settled once and for all,” Mr Fiumae said.

Former Malaita Premier David Oeta also reminded the National Government to ensure the bill is passed before the dissolution of Parliament at the end of the year.

“I want to remind the Government that this bill is supported by the people of Malaita and it must be passed before the term of the current parliament ends this year,” Mr Oeta said.

Malaita Wowen’s Desk Officer, Clera Rikimani said women in Malaita welcomed the bill and hoped that it will address issues affecting women, which were obvious during the tension period.

“Many women from Malaita have suffered the negative effects of the crisis which are still painful to us today and we called on the Government to seriously take the bill to Parliament,” she urged.

The consultation process which was earlier held in Guadalcanal, Choiseul and Western Provinces was the first step in the drafting process which was coordinated by the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) with support from the United Nations Peace Building Fund project implemented by the UNDP and the UN Women project.

A second round of consultations around the country will be held as soon as the draft bill is formulated for further discussions.

–GCU

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