IN preparation for the upcoming synchronized/joint election, the Political Parties Commission and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties conducted its first Workshop with the currently registered political parties. This is to ensure political parties operate effectively and comply with the provisions of the Political Parties Integrity Act 2014, the law that regulate the political party system of Solomon Islands.
The Chairperson of the Political Parties Commission, Sir. Francis Billy Hilly, in his opening remarks strongly emphasized the importance of having active and stronger political parties to ensure political stability and citizen participation in a west minister system of governance, which Solomon Islands adopted in 1978.
In his presentation, the Acting Registrar of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, Mr Gilson Galo, further reminded parties of the purpose of having political parties as stipulated under the provisions of the PPIA.
“To build stronger political party system lies on the political parties” echoed by one of the participants during the discussion session.
Mr. Jasper Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral office as a guest speaker, highlighted the major electoral reforms and briefed the participants on the electoral cycle. “2024 Joint Election will go down in history as the first synchronized election for Solomon Islands, with the National, Provincial and HCC elections happening at the same time”, echoed the CEO. As the former Registrar of the office of the Registrar, Mr Anisi also encouraged political parties to be serious in their operations and to engaged in ongoing awareness programs.
Over 30 participants including the representatives of eleven (11) political parties attended the one-day workshop. The office of the registrar of political parties confirmed that the total of 13 political parties are eligible under the PPIA 2014 to contest the forthcoming synchronize election.
