Presiding officer Elison Bakolo of Tutuva polling North Guadalcanal constituency closing the ballot boxes at 4pm yesterday
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
PRESIDING Officer Elison Bakolo at Tutuva Polling Station expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters yesterday.
Bakolo said Tutuva polling has 585 registered voters however, only 465 turn up to cast their votes.
He said from 6am voters queueing infront of the polling station and as long it opened, they came and cast their votes both men and women participated.
He said despite the smooth progress of the voting process, Tutuva Polling Station encountered a minor issue. Some individuals arrived only to find that their names were not on the voter list, rendering them unable to cast their votes.
However, this occurrence did not overshadow the overall positive experience of the day.
Bakolo said the polling station around 2 pm, no further voters arrived, and officials found themselves awaiting the scheduled closing time.
At 4pm yesterday witnessed by polling officers and polling agents, the ballot boxes were closed, marking the conclusion of the voting process at Tutuva Polling Station.
The high turnout of voters and the efficient operation of the polling station highlighted the community’s commitment to participating in the democratic process, Bakolo said.
Provincial and HCC ballots first following crucial verification step: SIEC
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Counting of the casted ballots of yesterday’s successful joint elections begins today.
After close of elections yesterday at 4pm, polling officials sealed the ballot boxes in front of witnesses which include police officers, Honiara City Council (HCC) officers, polling agents, international and domestic observers, media and members of public.
The boxes were then escorted to the counting centres and stored securely awaiting today’s counting. For Honiara, the counting centre is the Multipurpose Hall, where ballot boxes from all polling stations across the three constituencies were brought to.
In the provinces, their counting centres will be at their capital station or town. For Guadalcanal, the counting centre is the Henderson food court and the National Archives, according to the chief electoral officer, Jasper Anisi, during yesterday’s post-election press conference.
The Electoral Commission (SIEC) estimates that counting should complete within one-and-half week’s time, commencing today.
Some of the small wards are expected to have their
Madame Taeasi Sanga, Chairwoman of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC).Photo credit - MAVIS PODOKOLO
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
Madame Taeasi Sanga, Chairwoman of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), emphasized the importance of the day in her early morning national address. With months of hard work behind them, both citizens and officials are looking forward to the outcome of this pivotal event.
For the first time in the nation’s history, registered voters will have the opportunity to select two leaders: one for parliament and one for their provincial level. Additionally, residents of Honiara will cast their votes for the Honiara City Council.
Preparations for this momentous occasion have been a collaborative effort between the Electoral Commission, international donors, and the Solomon Islands government. With assistance from various partners, the Commission has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place, including the preparation of ballot papers, to facilitate a smooth voting process.
As polling stations across the country open their doors, citizens are exercising their democratic right to choose the individuals who will guide the nation forward in the years to come
Today, April 17, a day for registered voters to choose their political representatives through voting process
BY MAVIS PODOKOLO
TODAY – April 17, 2024 – is an important day for all registered voters to cast their votes at their assigned polling stations with the aim to choose their political representatives through voting process.
Voting starts at 7am and closes at 4pm.
A national address takes place at 6.45am shortly before voting starts, signifying the beginning of this historic event.
Philothea Paul, communications manager for Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Electoral (SIEC) in a recent media debrief on Friday last week said, “If you are registered voter and your name is on the final voter list, you’ll get two ballot papers to cast your votes.
“But for eligible voter in Choiseul and Western Province, you’ll get one ballot paper to vote for your national representative,” Ms Paul said.
She adds that if any voter is still in the queue for the polling station by 4pm they will be allowed to vote.
“Any voter who arrives after 4pm today will not be allowed,” Paul said.
She adds, due to security and safety reasons the polling stations will be closed early to allow boxes to be retrieved to counting centres during daylight hours of today.
This is the country’s first-ever joint elections, in which both the national elections for the national parliament and the provincial elections, and the Honiara City Council elections, are held.
In this 2024 joint elections, there are 334 candidates competing in the 50 constituencies for the parliamentary seats.
This is just one more candidate more than the 2019 National General Election, which had 333 candidates.
In all the provincial and Honiara City Council wards, except for Duidui ward in South Guadalcanal, there are 905 candidates running for office. Originally, there were seven candidates nominated for Duidui Ward.
Nearly 400 observers both international and domestic are observing the elections, adding transparency and accountability to the process.
The 2023 registration recorded a total of 420,184 voters, and increase of 132,617 compared to 2018 registration ahead of the 2019 elections.
The Electoral Commission has refuted as misleading rumours that the ballot paper must be signed with a red-coloured pen.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday evening, Ednal Palmer of the SIEC Communications team said, “the electoral law does not say the colour of the polling official’s signature on the ballot paper invalidates that paper.”
The ballot paper is valid whether it is signed in any colour by the polling official, be it red, blue or black.
A ballot paper however is invalid if it is not signed by the polling official, SIEC said.
The rumours spreading via social media that the ballot paper must be signed in red is totally misleading and false, SIEC said.
“This false information stemmed from a misunderstanding during a recent electoral training in which references were uttered regarding the usage of red pens and blue pens in the kits of the polling station officials.
“Some participants of the training misinterpreted some discussions and spread the misleading rumour that a ballot paper must be signed in red in order to be valid, if it is signed in another coloured either black or blue then it becomes invalid. This is totally false and misleading.”
SIEC appeals to members of public to stop sharing and amplifying false and misleading rumours on social media and in the streets.
FORMER Member of Parliament and the only first MP in Solomon Islands history in 1989, Hilda Kari, is saying that women can do anything men can.
Sharing her experience with Island Sun, she said during her time only money was her challenge to contest the elections back then, but she managed to become an MP then.
She said in 1989 she contested the National Elections for North East Guadalcanal and lost to 59 votes, with Waita Ben Tabusasi winning at that time.
“Back then, those leaders like Waita Ben were wise leaders, and he vacated his seat to become the speaker, and that was when I re-contested the bye-elections, and I won with thousands,” Mrs. Kari recalled.
She served as MP for North East Guadalcanal, and the name changed to East Central Guadalcanal, in the 1994 general election and again in 1997, thus serving until 2001.
She said at that time she also held ministerial portfolios, in which she served as Minister of Forests, Conservation, and the Environment, and she has also been Minister for Women, Youth, and Sports.
Now retired, she is now 75 years old. She’s not just a former Member of Parliament; she’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for women candidates.
She said she came to Honiara in 1971 and joined the government workforce. Back then, it wasn’t common for women to work in government, but she worked hard in various roles, showing that women can do anything they set their minds to.
But Hilda’s path was not without challenges. She faced setbacks, including losing her seat during turbulent times in the Solomon Islands’ history. She continued to fight for what she believed in, showing courage and determination in the face of difficulty.
One of Hilda’s greatest passions is empowering women to participate in politics. She believes that everyone should have a say in how their country is run, regardless of gender. Through her work, she has encouraged women to step forward and take their rightful place in the political arena.
“Being an MP, the important thing is to learn and understand the system of Parliament and the government. I see our former female MPs were not really having the courage to speak up amongst the male MPs, but the floor of the parliament is to raise issues of concern on behalf of the people we serve,” Mrs. Kari said.
She said during her time she was the only woman, but she managed to cope and present her views on behalf of her people.
“During my campaign, I listened and noted the concerns raised by my constituents and presented their views in Parliament, and I made quarterly visits to my constituency. At that time, only $4000 for constituency tours compared to nowadays,” Mrs. Kari said.
Meanwhile, she also said that the rural populace lacks knowledge of how the government systems and parliament operate, and the Solomon Islands Electoral Council needs to do more education and raise awareness in rural areas.
Mrs. Kari said knowledge is power, and everyone should be informed about the electoral process and the role of leadership in governance. With education and awareness, she hopes to create more informed and engaged communities.
Therefore, she believes that by working together and supporting one another, the country can overcome any challenge that comes its way.
Solomon Islands Electoral Commission urges early voting for smooth election day
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is calling on all registered voters to arrive promptly at designated polling stations tomorrow at 7am to cast their votes as early as possible.
Jasper Highwood Anisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, has emphasized the importance of early voting ahead of the upcoming election.
Speaking on behalf of the Electoral Office, Anisi urged all registered voters to make their way to their designated polling stations as early as possible.
“Tomorrow is a public holiday, so it’s crucial for voters to come early, cast their votes, and then enjoy the day with their families,” Anisi stated.
He specifically addressed nurses and doctors, requesting them to wear their uniforms for easy identification by polling officers, as they will be granted special exemptions to vote early due to their essential roles.
According to Anisi, polling stations will open at 6 a.m., with polling officers present before 7 a.m. to facilitate a smooth voting process. Each polling venue will have a queue manager and five polling officers available to assist voters.
“If you’re unsure about the voting process, don’t hesitate to ask for help,” Anisi reassured.
Philothea Paul, the Media and Communication officer for the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, echoed Anisi’s call for early voting.
Paul advised urban residents to turn up early at polling stations to avoid long queues later in the day.
With the election day approaching, the Electoral Commission emphasizes the importance of early voting to ensure a seamless and efficient electoral process.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) says it is ready for the rollout of the 2024 national joint election.
This welcomed assurance comes as the nation heads to the polls tomorrow, Wednesday, April 17.
SIEC confirmed all ballot boxes and other election-related materials, including ballot papers, voting booths, pens, seals, and other essential items for the joint election polling day, have been delivered throughout the country to their designated polling stations.
Returning Officers (RO) and other electoral officials are already out in the field by now, SIEC said.
With the readiness of SIEC, Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi highlights its newly updated electoral official website, which is now available for the public to access results and other election-related information.
Mr Anisi then thanked and acknowledged the Australian Defence Force (ADF) along with New Zealand Defence force for the bulk distribution of almost 90 percent of all election materials from Honiara to provincial capitals ahead of official polling day.
Anisi said that the commission is grateful that the ADF was on the ground to transport the ballot papers and other electoral material quickly and efficiently to all provincial centers.
CEO reaffirmed that all- polling stations will open at 7am and close at 4pm; therefore, called for electors to move early to avoid frustration in long queues experienced in the past years.
The country’s first woman and former politician, Hilda Kari called on all registered and eligible voters to vote wisely comes April 17th.
Kari made this strong call during an interview the Island Sun Newspaper.
“To registered voters please vote wisely, think of your family, see into your heart why you cast your ballot paper because it is what your life will be,” she said.
Kari utters, ensure the one you cast your ballot for is is the chosen one because that person will be your voice and your representative.
Kari also mentioned that under Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa’alu she was the first woman in Cabinet in the country’s history and she was Minister for Forestry, the Environment and Conservation from 1997 to 2000.
She further stressed that she stood unsuccessfully in the 2010 general election for the seat of North East Guadalcanal.
Kari’s reaction having no women had been elected, she described the overall result as “a real slap on the face for women in this country”, and was particularly critical of women voters who, in her view, displayed a lack of “trust” in women candidates.
The struggle to meet the demands of their voters but at the same time trigger ‘development’ is an ongoing issue for anyone who wants to represent their people at National level, and this national election is no different.
With less than three days left before Solomon Islanders to go to the polls to choose their national leaders for the next four years, development is a key word being used by all candidates. But what truly triggers development?
Our team travelled to parts of the Western Province to hear and see if the Constituency Development Fund or CDF has had impact or is actually triggering development.
It is accepted that to have true development the following are the basic requirements, Governance and Political Stability, Investment in Education, Infrastructure Development, Economic Diversification and Industrialization, Social Inclusion and Empowerment and finally Environmental Sustainability, in this order.
An elder of Rarumana, Ronald Kere said, “two years ago, a few knifes and axes were received and with one axe shared between 10 to 11 households, we also received a fisheries project with a solar fridge but it’s not working anymore. We were promised help with our seaweed project but nothing happened but that’s the most important project. People earn and it gets exported.”
Dried seaweeds in Rarumana, Western province. Photo credit : MAVIS PODOKOLO.
He says, “Another thing is the committees being set up to help manage the funds, nobody knows who they are and there seems to be more than one, there is no transparency.”
The communities also raised the fact that the police and provincial services do not tour around because of the lack of funds for fuel and outboard motor engines. Meanwhile schools, health clinics, water and housing remain on the priority list for those in the villages.
Alex Viqa of Rarumana says, “Our children have the right to be educated in a good environment but nothing has been done for our schools.”
At the same time the needs of those residing in Noro and Munda remain quite different from those further out in the villages within the Roviana region.
“All the developments you see in Noro and Munda have not been driven by CDF but by the private sector, what does this tell us, we need more educated people. Our schools must be given millions from the CDF,” says Corina Leve a Munda resident who is a New Zealand graduate teacher.
The Noro Munda highway was built after years of business owners suffering trying to move between the two towns with the bad road. And when it was finished it changed the game for all who were running businesses; however potholes are appearing on the road again.
“Sustainability is a big problem for us, our government needs to budget for the maintenance of the roads it has, but its reflective of the calibre of leaders we chose to lead the country, “ Ms Leve says.
The western province is littered with 60 year coconut plantations, this was a big earner for the province in the 70s, 80s and 90s. However tourism grew, the tuna factory was established, and tree plantations sprouted, seaweed planting began which diversified the revenue base of the province.
“This is all good, but we need educated people to keep this growth, but our leaders are ignoring this important tool for development, women, youth and anyone can make it if given the right education and opportunities, “ Ms Leve points out
Alex of Noro says, “if we all work together then we will achieve the outcomes we want as a constituency and province.”
With its many beautiful islands and world class diving sites, safeguarding the environment is integral to the development of the area. Logging must be stopped and other revenue sources must be sought to maintain revenue at the same time protect the future of the generations to come.
It is therefore important that there is effective governance, investment in education and infrastructure, economic diversification, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability to be the key catalysts driving progress in the Roviana region. By addressing these interconnected challenges holistically and fostering partnerships among governments, civil society, and the private sector, regions can unlock their full potential and pave the way for a more equitable future.
