BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Attorney General says the extension of the liquor ban is legal, pointing out former Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Laore’s continued role as caretaker Minister of Home Affairs until the election of a new Prime Minister.   

AG John Muria Jnr made the remark following public queries surrounding the validity of the ban as it was enacted by former MP Laore who has lost the Shortland Islands constituency seat in the recent National General Election (NGE).

“The caretaker executive is still exercising its powers under their relevant statutory legislation” he explained.

The AG’s remark is in accordance with the section 34(6) of the constitution which clearly outlined this.

The liquor Ban was initially imposed from April 16^th to April 26^th and has now been extended from April 26^th to May 15^th

Responding to queries on why it has not signature, Muria explained” A gazette is the official publication of any legal instrument the government makes. It reflects the original order; it is the original order that is signed” he remarked

“Gazette copies are not signed so that is why we won’t see a signature on the gazette. It is just an official publication of that order so once it is published, it becomes effective” Muria said.  

The announcement of the extension has generated mixed reaction on Facebook (FB) with some describing it as meaningless, a heavy financial loss for liquor shop owners and even calling for Police to toughen up on illegal homebrewing and Kwaso production.

However, a recent Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) press statement said that the extension was necessary for the election of the new PM.

“The extension of the liquor ban aligns with our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment, formation of government and election of a Prime Minister by mitigating the risk associated with excessive alcohol consumption, we aim to foster an atmosphere conducive to the democratic process” the statement said. 

Muria made the clarification in the Talkback show broadcasted by SIBC yesterday.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE two-week liquor ban has had a direct impact on businesses operating bottle shops and bars.

Deputy Commissioner Juanita Matanga acknowledges the loss of business, but emphasizes the importance of security considerations from the police perspective.

She highlights that this year’s joint elections remained peaceful and one of the positive impact is the implementation of the liquor ban, which prevent the expression of excitement and grievances that could lead to some issues. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption poses safety risks.

As a result, the decision was made to close establishments such as bottle shops, bars, and nightclubs, which are known to potentially incite trouble. However, hotels, being a different category, are permitted to continue selling alcohol.

Matanga said the rationale behind this measure is to mitigate potential disruptions during elections that may arise from heightened alcohol consumption, leading to disturbances.

She said leading up to the formation of the Government authorities are not taking this decision lightly and will monitor the situation closely, and is prepared to make necessary decision whether to extend the liquor ban or allow the lift that is due today.

Police are committed to improving the situation for everyone, through collaborative efforts with the public and leaders to ensures safety and contentment for all.

The order, was effective from April 16 to April 26, mandates the closure of all licensed premises, bars (including nightclubs and bottle shops) in Solomon Islands, with the exception of licensed premises or bars within hotels or restaurants, which may serve liquor to bona fide guests.

BY MORRIS NAFU

Teasi Sanga, chairlady of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), has officially announced the closure of the national joint election on Wednesday, April 24.

This declaration marks the conclusion of a crucial phase in the democratic process of the nation, with citizens exercising their right to vote for their chosen representatives.

Mrs Sanga made the announcement after SIEC successfully completed its final official announcements of election results with few constituencies, provincial wards along with Honiara City Council (HCC) wards.

She commend all participating organisations and individuals for successfully carrying out the first ever joint elections for both 50 national parliament seats, seven provincial assembly members and Honiara City Council (HCC) ward councilors excluding Western and Choiseul provinces.

Sanga highlighted the positive turn out of voters across the nation during polling day as citizens exercised their democratic right by casting their votes.

She acknowledged few setbacks in various logistical challenges and the complexities of organising a nationwide vote and that the SIEC are ready to welcome feedbacks from observers both international and local, from which they can improve and move forward.

“There are few feedback reports from observers that reached SIEC that shows positive feedback and we look forward receive more feedback reports from other observers,” she said.

“We will be looking forward to receive reports from the Observers reports as they will help us identify areas for improvement.”

She acknowledged stakeholders who have contributed in the successful election including international partners and donors, Australia Government, Australia Defence Force, New Zealand Government, NZ Defence Force, European Union, UNDP’s Strengthening the Electoral Sycle in Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP), International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES), International IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance), Australian Electoral Commission, New Zealand Electoral Commission, media, national partners, Solomon Islands Government, observers, police and other service providers who have contributed during the course of the Election period.

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.