BY MORRIS NAFU

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has acknowledged all candidates, political parties, observers and the citizens of Solomon Islands for a national joint election.

The Commission’s acknowledgment comes in light of the commendable conduct exhibited throughout both the voting and counting processes.

Chairlady of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), Teasi Sanga highlighted the significance of the collective effort in upholding the democratic values of the nation.

Mrs Sanga described the National Joint Election as the largest and first of its kind to host three (3) elections at the same time – National, Provincial and Honiara City Council (HCC).

The peaceful participation witnessed during the electoral proceedings underscores the commitment of Solomon Islands to a fair and transparent democratic process, she said.

The National Joint Election, which saw candidates vying for various political positions, witnessed a notable absence of disruptions or instances of unrest.

This peaceful environment not only reflects positively on the electoral process but also speaks volumes about the maturity and civility of the Solomon Islands’ political landscape, she said.

The SIEC’s acknowledgment serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

“By embracing peaceful participation, which reaffirmed dedication to democracy and the rule of law in the Solomon Islands.”

Sanga salutes all participating organisations and individuals and calls for continued engagement and cooperation among all parties to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a prosperous democratic future for the Solomon Islands.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DEPUTY Commissioner Juanita Matanga has emphasised that driving vehicles without displaying number plates is illegal, and police will detain such vehicles.

Speaking during the Police Media Conference, Ms Matanga stated that with the Prime Minister’s election approaching, the police will conduct operations targeting vehicles lacking plate numbers.

These vehicles will be detained until their owners bring the necessary plates, at which point they will be released, Matanga said.

Matanga expressed concern over the prevalence of vehicles without number plates, noting that many also have tinted windows, making it difficult to identify the drivers. As a result, police will monitor and detain vehicles without plates until their owners provide proper identification.

Meanwhile, in January of this year, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue reminded all vehicle owners who had previously been issued with authorized temporary vehicle plate numbers to visit IRD cashiers and collect their valid vehicle plate numbers.

The message also stated that to receive the valid plate number, owners must present the authorized temporary plate number (printed on paper) to the Inland Revenue cashiers.

The notice was said to be valid until February 2, 2024, and any vehicle without a valid plate number after that date will be considered illegal.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

IN a recent electoral oversight in the Solomon Islands, a crucial error occurred as pre-poll ballots were left uncounted due to an administrative mistake.

Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi said it was accidently forgotten by Electoral officials.

He said when officers at the head office reconcile their data it came to light that certain pre-poll ballots for Isabel province were not included in the batches for counting.

These were the pre-poll ballots from Honiara that was handed over to the Isabel Electoral officials, before the counting started.

These overlooked ballots were found locked away in an electoral official’s room, unnoticed until the eleventh hour. The failure to include them in the count was an unintended oversight, Anisi said.

He explained the only process to rely on now is through the High Court of Solomon Islands, for the other two constituencies Maringe/Kokota and Hograno/ Kia/Havulei, the margin difference between the winner and runner-up was a big margin and so is not an issue.

However, for Gao/Bugotu constituency uncounted ballot was 13 and the margin between the winner and the runner-up 13 so it’s an issue, Anisi said

The court must issue an order to verify the uncounted pre-poll ballots for the Gao-Bugotu constituency. Depending on the outcome, if a tie arises among candidates, a fresh count will be mandated. However, if the margin between candidates remains unaffected by the uncounted ballots, the previously declared results may stand.

Anisi responding to questions raised on what consequences the Returning Officer or Electoral Officials will face, according to law there is no clear regulation, but emphasizes the need to assess each case on its merits, distinguishing between unintentional errors and deliberate misconduct. If foul play is suspected, the Commission will initiate an investigation and take appropriate action.

Anisi acknowledges the Commission’s responsibility for the oversight and plans to address it transparently. Recognizing the potential impact of the uncounted ballots on the election outcome, the Commission will write to the Attorney-General requesting to issue a status petition under section 109 of the Electoral Act, to enable the court to open the envelope of uncounted pre-poll ballot papers to determine the manner in which those 13 voters had voted.

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission remains committed to preserving the fairness and accuracy of the electoral process, despite the challenges encountered.

Lobbing for the premiership post in Central Islands province begins this week and is expected to complete by next week.

Former premier and returning MPA for Ward 8 – North-west Ngella, Polycarp Galaigu, said he is confident in taking back the job.

Mr Galaigu said he has a number of outstanding policies to implement, since in his previous tenure he did not have enough time.

Galaigu came in about half-way after ousting the then premier, Stanley Manetiva.

Galagiu said in his small time, he managed to do great changes in Tulagi for example.

He facilitated the Tulagi market upgraded project, the renovation of Tulagi Hospital and the lease agreement made with the canary investors to operate in Tulagi for 75 years as agreed on in a lease document with the company.

Four other provincial members are also vying for the premier’s post.

Elijah Taikole, MPA elect for the ward of East Ngella, Michael Salini, MPA elect for Tulagi ward, Maurice Mae Tinoni, MPA elect for Sandfly and Beaunivesta ward and Kenneth Sagupari, MPA elect for West Ngella ward.

BY GREGORY HAKA ,STRINGER, TULAGI