BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is defending its position on electoral integrity regarding remarks made by the Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Anisi in regards to corruption within the country’s electoral process.
TSI, acknowledging the role of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) in administering elections under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2018, appreciates Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi for publicly responding to issues raised during the recent Corruption Perceptions Index launch.
However, TSI argues that describing the electoral process as “not corrupt” solely because it complies with legal procedures fails to address wider public concerns.
In its statement, TSI said elections involve more than the mechanics of casting and counting ballots.
SIEC’s responsibilities, as noted, include voter registration, candidate nominations, public awareness campaigns, and maintaining impartiality throughout the four-year electoral cycle.
TSI said that voter education should go beyond explaining how to vote, but also promote civic responsibility and highlight the long-term impact of monetised politics on leadership and governance.
While acknowledging Solomon Islands’ positive performance in the Electoral Integrity Global Report 2024, TSI said that international recognition does not remove the need for continued scrutiny and reform.
TSI reaffirms its call for adequate resourcing of SIEC and other accountability institutions.
Also stated in the statement is that TSI says transparency should not be viewed as an accusation, but a safeguard necessary to maintain legitimacy and strengthen democratic institutions.
TSI said national reflection rather than narrow legal interpretations is essential to improve electoral integrity and ensure that political leadership reflects the will of the people.
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