BY LESLEY FOINAGWA
LOCAL political candidates vying for the vacant parliamentary seat in West Kwaio Constituency, Malaita province have over the past weeks started campaigning for this month’s by-elections set for today, 21st September.
United Party intended candidate and former Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 28, West Kwaio Constituency, Claudius Tei’ifi said as an intended candidate for West Kwaio Constituency in this year’s by-election, he is very humble to withdraw as an MPA to represent his people at the national level.
“One of my major objectives is to develop the human resources and support the education journey of the struggling children and youths in the West Kwaio Constituency to another new level.
“The majority of West Kwaio students, who have enrolled in the tertiary institutions in the country have faced financial challenges to afford their school fees.
“The West Kwaio Constituency depends on the current generation of school boys and girls, who will one day become important leaders in the future, so it is vital for us leaders to give them immediate financial support towards their journey in education,” he told constituents of West Kwaio in his recent by-election campaign.
West Kwaio constituency has lost their Member of Parliament (MP) for National Parliament, late Hon. Titus Fika last year, in 2021.
A total of six candidates (one female and five males) will contest in the West Kwaio by-election. They are Judith Ahuapata Fika, John Daufanamae, John Aron Mani, Claudius Tei’ifi, John Kennedy Taufunu and Jack Waraka.
Earlier this month, the Solomon Islands Election Commission reminded candidates that while doing their campaign, they must keep track of their campaign expenditures as each will have to file a statement of expense account on any cost relating to election campaigning.
“It is required by law that candidates must file those expense accounts along with disclosure of any financial assistance rendered towards their election campaigning activities.
“To cast an informed vote, it is important that constituents take the chance to listen to campaign rallies organized by candidates.
“By-election date for West Kwaio Constituency is set for Wednesday 21st September 2022,” according to Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO).
