BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Following the launch of its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on February 11, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling for stronger reforms to safeguard the truthfulness of electoral processes.
Speaking during the launch, TSI Chairman Rodney Kingmele outlined concerns about the broader political influence surrounding elections.
His statements prompted comments from Jasper Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), which were reported by Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).
TSI, in a statement, acknowledged SIEC’s constitutional mandate under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2018 to administer elections lawfully and professionally.
However, the organisation said that electoral integrity extends beyond polling day procedures.
The CPI 2025 theme, “The Integrity of Electoral Processes and Their Importance to the Integrity of Political Leadership,” highlights public concerns, including alleged vote-buying, the use of constituency development funds during election cycles, limited transparency in campaign financing, and unequal competition influenced by access to financial resources.
TSI said that while SIEC is responsible for conducting elections in compliance with the law, broader governance weaknesses fall outside administrative functions alone.
The TSI said, citing findings from international assessments, including the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment and the Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021, indicate that concerns about money influencing political outcomes are common.
According to TSI, procedural compliance does not automatically guarantee public confidence.
TSI argued that when citizens perceive that financial influence determines electoral success, trust in democratic institutions can be weakened.
Strengthening democracy requires both effective electoral management and a political culture grounded in transparency, accountability, and public trust, TSI said.
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