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SIEC launches new-look website

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Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi

BY MORRIS NAFU

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) launched its newly look and official website for information for public digital users on Friday April 12.

The newly upgraded website aims to provide broader and background information on the elections.

The website is a commendable effort by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.

As the country approaches its 12th government and provincial assembly elections, it’s essential for citizens to have access to comprehensive information about the electoral process, candidates and relevant issues.

This will help voters make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping the future of the nation.

The website serves as a valuable resource in ensuring transparency and promoting civic engagement during this critical time.

The commitment to transparency, accessibility and voter empowerment demonstrated through the launch of the digital platform is truly commendable  by providing easily accessible information about the electoral process.

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is fostering trust in the democratic process and empowering citizens to engage meaningfully in their nation’s governance.

This dedication to transparency and accessibility is essential for building a strong and inclusive democracy where every voice is heard and every vote counts.

The website will serve as a cornerstone for all electoral resources, providing comprehensive details on the joints Election, voter registration, election process and the upcoming events.

It intends to be the one stop portal where citizens include Media, youth, tertiary students can do insightful updates and comprehensive information about their electoral rights and duties.

The newly refresh website also provide quick access to all polling stations locator, the joint election results and election statistics.

Website key features include;User friendly Navigation: easy access to essential information, ensuring that our people can quickly find what they need when they need it.Comprehensive voter information:Election insights: up-to date information on past and upcoming election candidate lists, and election results.Education resource: materials and resources to educate and encourage, informed participation in our democratic process.Accessibly: ensuring that our website is accessible to all, and for people with disabilities. This is a priority for us with our commitments in our digital transformation and electoral reforms and is in keeping with our commitment in our Gender Equality and Social Inclusion GESI) policy. Striving to have social inclusion responsive program and service that supports the equal participation of people with disabilities in decision making and governance.

Chief Electoral officer Jasper Highwood thanks the electoral Information Communication Technology (ICT), SIG ICT service agencies for their timely effort in embracing the latest digital transformation and strategic project for swiftly and efficiently coming on board to facilitate the migration.

Warrant of arrest for accused in drugs case cancelled

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Court has cancelled the warrant of arrest issued to one of the accused in a case involving allegations of attempting to export illegal drugs.

Beatrice Umea had a warrant of arrest issued out for her when she did not turn up in court in a previous session.

On April 11, Umea and her co-accused, Etekia Kauai turned up in court.

The duo were supposed to take their pleas yesterday but Umea is still without a lawyer and Kauai’s lawyer did not turn up.

Therefore, court adjourned the case for April 26.

Bail for both was extended.

The two are charged in relation to an allegation on June 19, 2019 at the Henderson International Airport.

Prosecution alleged the accused packed eight packets of marijuana inside a speaker in 20 cm by 20 cm plastic bags. This was taken to the airport, where accused Umea was on check-in duty for Solomon Airlines.

It was further alleged that Kauai took the package to Umea and she accepted the package as unaccompanied luggage, but tagged the package to a passenger whom she had already checked in.

When the package went through the screening, suspicious arose, the speaker was unscrewed and the packets of Marijuana were found, before it was loaded onto the flight.

The police then arrested both the accused and charge them jointly for one count of attempting to export a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane act for the Crown and Mr. Lappy Hite act for Etekia Kauai.

Case of 22-yo man charged with rape heads to High Court for trial

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a 22-year-old man accused of sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl has been committed to the High Court for trial.

Cedric Kito is facing one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 15.

The case will be first called at the High Court on April 26.

Kito had pleaded not guilty in the previous occasion, and prosecution submitted to the court its committal disposition.

Magistrate court ruled that there is sufficient evidence to commit the matter to the High Court for trial.

Remand for Kito was extended for April 26.

Prosecution alleged in October 2023 the alleged victim went to spend the holidays with her uncle at Tenaru, east of Honiara.

In November 2023, Kito was invited by the victim’s uncle to his residence at Tenaru to massage another person for a head illness.

On November 7, 2023 at the uncle’s residence, the alleged victim was instructed by her uncle to light a mosquito coil at a downstairs room where Kito would be sleeping.

Between 9pm and 10pm the victim lit the mosquito coil at the accused’s room and walked back to the veranda and sat there watching movie.

While the victim was still at the veranda, Kito walked out from his room and told the victim to remove the mosquito coil from his room saying it was not good for him.

Allegations continue that the victim then went into the accused’s room to remove the mosquito coil. But Kito approached her from behind and held her tight, removing the mosquito coil from her hand and turning her face towards him. He told her to remove her clothes.

The victim was shocked, allegations say, as she had not expected the accused to do such a thing. The alleged victim refused, so Kito removed her clothes himself along with his, and performed sexual intercourse on her.

After Kito had finished with his activity, he told the alleged victim not to tell anyone then let her go.

Few days later the alleged victim returned to town and reported the matter to her parents, and they reported it to police.

The case was investigated and Kito was arrested and formally charged.

Martha Mutukera for Crown and Roria Sikua for accused.

Case of man accused of sex with underage moved for tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of having sexual intercourse with a child has been adjourned for tomorrow, Friday 12th of April 2024.

Jabeth Iabeta is facing one count of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 15.

The hearing on Tuesday was for the accused to take his plea, however, his lawyer told the magistrate court that he is yet to take instructions from the accused regarding the plea.

Defence sought adjournment.

Remand warrant for Iabeta was extended.

Prosecution alleged on May 22, 2022 at Namoliko Heights area, Vara Creek, Central Honiara, Iabeta had sexual intercourse with a girl who was 10 years old at the time.

The matter was later reported to police on October 21, 2022 and the defendant was charged accordingly.

The accused was issued with a warrant of arrest. Early this year the warrant of arrest was executed and he has been remanded in custody since.

Office of Public Prosecution appears for the Crown and Allan Tinoni act for accused.

Lack of national identity system a huge challenge in developing SIM registration law: Ziru

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TCSI Commissioner Calvin Ziru speaking during the launch of SIM card registration campaign.

BY NED GAGAHE

Telecommunication Commission Solomon Islands (TCSI) Commissioner Calvin Ziru says the country’s lack of ‘a national identity system’ is a huge challenge faced in developing SIM card registration.

Ziru stated this during the launch of mandatory SIM card registration last week.

He said the two challenges faced were lack of national identity data base and the need for policies and laws to complement SIM card registration.

“A few challenges down the road in terms of what we could do. Some of the challenges two in particular, that we found in this endeavor, or at least in our attempts to register SIM cards. Firstly, we didn’t have a national identity system or database. And that that seems to be a major problem for us.

“When you were talking about how you register what documentation you will be, what evidence would be provided by people from Honiara and people from the province, in terms of who they are, birth certificates, the accuracy of that, that were major issues.

“We considered numerous ways of trying to even post passage of the Act of trying to ensure that it was easy and streamlined for our citizens, looking at options of the biometric voter registration card, NPF and driver’s licenses.

“So, what you would have is different identity systems within different departments of the government as well as the non-government sector, that really could allowed us to have a better process and a much cleaner process in terms of how we can register SIM card.

“Secondly, SIM card registration really needed to be complemented, rather, by policies or laws that would strengthen cyber security frameworks, and Solomon Islands needed to look at that.” Commissioner Ziru said.

Integrity of election process protected: SIEC

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SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has reassured public and candidates that significant cautionary measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming election process.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi made the assurance in light of questions raised on social media about the possibility of tampering with ballot papers and boxes during polling day.

In a talkback show aired at SIBC on Sunday, Anisi emphasized that like currency note, ballot papers possess unique security features designed to prevent possible frauds or replications.

As for contesting candidates, the CEO urged them appoint their polling agents and counting agents who will serve vital roles in the polling station and counting centers.  

“It is your duty as candidates to have polling agent and counting agent, these two people will help you, they are your eyes and ears inside the polling stations you are unable to reach and inside counting centers because you won’t be present there. These are very important people you need to employ during election so they would know their respective roles” Anisi remarked.  

He explained that when polling stations open at 7 am on election day, polling agents must record the seal’s serial numbers on the ballot boxes announced by Presiding officers and ensure the boxes are completely empty. At 4 pm when polling stations close, they also must record the final seal number used for closing the boxes. Anisi assured that both seals have completely different numbers. 

Additionally, the polling agent must provide the seal number records to the counting agent who will crosscheck at the counting centers.

In regards to security purposes, Anisi is certain that under a recent MOU signed with the Royal Solomon Islands Police force (RSIPF), the police will be tasked to provide maximum security for the ballot papers, boxes and SIEC officers.

Police in Western province ready to be deployed ahead of polling day

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PPC Lenialu

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WESTERN Province Police geared up for deployment across nine constituencies ahead of polling day.

Provincial Police Commander of Western Province Mathias Lenialu revealed during the interview with Island Sun that his officers are fully prepared to be deployed across the Western Province alongside officers from Honiara and Regional partners.

PPC Lenialu highlighted officers will station at the polling stations within the nine constituencies in the Western Province.

He said officers have been strategically zoned under four sectors, with forward commanders appointed to oversee the operations effectively.

Lenialu is confident that the situation in the Western Province will remain peaceful, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights without any fear or intimidation.

He also assured that the police force is equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the electoral process. However, in the event of situations beyond their control, additional support can be sent from Honiara.

According to Lenialu, the current situation in the province is relatively calm, with only a few minor misunderstandings among supporters, but of election campaigns.

“It was just the height of the election campaigns, with no serious concerns regarding the security of the electoral process.” Lenialu said.

He also said around 200 officers will deploy across the Western Province.

As the polling day draws nearer, the readiness of the police force in the Western Province highlights their commitment to ensuring a smooth and peaceful democratic exercise for all citizens.

SIEC warns against misinformation on social media

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Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has issued a reminder to public, emphasising the importance of verifying information found on social media platforms such as Facebook ahead of the upcoming election.

As misinformation have been circulating widely on social media in regards to the election, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Anisi explained that the hour-long talkback shows on Sundays and radio programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays at SIBC is primarily to provide the right information.

He assured the public throughout the country that tuning in to these shows and programs would allow them to have their questions addressed and clarified by the SIEC Team.  

Anisi stressed that the SIEC’s Communication Department Anisi is responsible for ensuring updated information is continuously provided.

Additionally, he urged candidates to familiarize themselves with the candidate handbook to effectively conduct their campaigns and provide appropriate guidance to their voters.

Governor Forau hails IFC, WBG and donor partners

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CBSI Governor, Dr Luke Forau

BY NED GAGAHE

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) donor partners Australia, New Zealand governments and stakeholders for the development of the Solomons Automated Transfer System (SOLATS).

CBSI launched the SOLATS system in Honiara on Monday attended by guests which includes Country Head of ANZ Martin Beattie, IFC’s Pacific Payments Project Leader, Hang Nguyen, Deputy Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel, Joe Carter from the New Zealand High Commission and CBSI staff.

IFC, supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand as well as World Bank Group, provided technical expertise to CBSI for the development of SOLATS payment system.

“The Central Bank aims to achieve our mandate and objectives in ensuring financial system stability and monetary policy while promoting financial inclusion.

“At this juncture, I wish to remind the financial industry that with the National Payment System infrastructure in place, you now have the opportunity to create unique opportunities for enhanced payment mechanisms for commerce in the future.

“I am particularly interested to see the interoperability of payments systems in the country where e-payments, mobile phones and the internet will integrate with the NPS infrastructure to ensure settlements are done in real time, enabling the ordinary person to make payments fast, efficiently and cost effectively.

“Let me close by, once again, extending our gratitude to the IFC and WBG for their technical support and constant guide in this important reform work, to strengthen the legislative framework and modernizing the National Payment System to meet international standards. 

“I also acknowledge the donors and the development partners for the funding support that has made it possible for Solomon Islands to benefit from the financial market infrastructures 

“I also extend my deep appreciation to the participating banks and your hard-working project teams for having faith in the project and believing in the benefits that this great initiative will bring to the people of Solomon Islands.

“Overall, I am grateful for the general support to the CBSI project team.

“Despite the odds, we have proved our resilience and I am overwhelmed with joy by the commitment and collaboration displayed by all parties to bring about positive changes to the lives of our people.” Dr Luke Forau said.

Women urge leaders to tackle Gizo’s water crisis

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Loretta

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Several mothers in Gizo, Western Province, are urging their leaders to address the water issue in Gizo, the capital of the Western Province.

One of the mothers interviewed, Mayan Mabel, expressed concern over the longstanding water crisis in Gizo, emphasising the difficulties it poses for mothers and children. She noted that at the Gizo Market, only toilets are provided without a shower room for women, citing this as a consequence of the water issue.

Mabel emphasised the importance of Western Province leaders finding solutions to the water problem. She highlighted that the lack of adequate water infrastructure not only disrupts daily life but also presents significant obstacles to Gizo’s future development.

Western Provincial capital Gizo

Lorretta, the Acting President of the Gizo Market Vendors Association, corroborated Mabel’s statements, confirming that no shower room was built for market vendors, with only toilets provided. She also affirmed that water scarcity is one of the primary challenges facing Gizo residents.

Even though Western Province is a popular tourist spot in the Solomon Islands, Gizo still doesn’t have enough clean water, and the water problem is still a big issue for the people who live there.

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