THE Constitution (Amendment) (Candidacy Disqualification) Bill 2023 was approved by the Solomon Islands National Parliament on October 15.
The constitutional revision to Section 49 is significant because it makes simultaneous elections possible in 2024 and thereafter.
With the addition of the amendment, there is now an additional requirement for membership: if there are concurrent elections for the Provincial Assembly, the Honiara City Council, and Parliament, a person cannot simultaneously run for all three offices.
The Act will go into effect shortly after a notice of it is published in the gazette.
This was a significant advancement for the electoral legislation amendments in assuring the legitimacy and efficiency of the projected synchronized national general election in 2024.
The Commission expresses its sincere gratitude to the committed legislators, electoral stakeholders, and individuals who relentlessly championed this cause as we celebrate this historic accomplishment.
The persistent dedication to democracy prepares the path for a political environment that is more diverse and representative. It ushers in a new era for the Commission and exemplifies our shared determination to strengthen the very foundation of our democracy.
The adoption of a new Provincial Assemblies and Honiara City Council Electoral Bill 2023, as well as the amendments to the Electoral Act 2018 still need to be done.
Effective operational planning, resource allocation, and the conduct of the future synchronized elections depend on the timely passage of the aforementioned modifications and acts. Given that there are 11 weeks until Parliament is dissolved, these are vital measures that need to be passed quickly.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) implores the appropriate authorities to investigate the prompt adoption of these final two bills, which will finish the electoral legal framework and enable the Commission to move forward with the planning and effective administration of the synchronized elections in 2024.
Follow SIEO on Facebook at @SIelectoralcommission and on the web at www.siec.gov.sb to stay up to date with events. You can also call the office hotline at (7222200) or landline 21198 with general questions.
