BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Omission and objection period for registered voters has been scheduled for November 11 to December 1.
The three-week period was set down for registered voters to check against their names on the released provisional list.
For eligible voters who live outside of their provinces and constituencies, the released provisional voter list is now accessible at the Electoral Commission Office for a fee. The public can also access it at registration centers across the nation.
The Communication and Media Team Leader, Philothea Paul, stated during her appearance on the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Radio Awareness Podcast on SIBC that objection and omission is a time during the registration process during which the commission allows you to report problems found with the Provisional Voter List and make claims.
“This is the chance for individuals to tidy up the list. Considering that having an accurate list is our goal. Only the community can be read by our biometric system; people who have passed away cannot be read.
“Who is able to file claims? Anybody on the roster. You are free to report any problem you found on the list. You must go to the registration centers where the registration officers will be stationed, obtain the necessary paperwork from them, complete the objection form, and sign it. Then hand it over to him/her,” Philothea said.
She did, however, state that the claimant had to show up for the public inquiry process, which is the third stage of the registration procedure and takes place from December 5 to December 23.
“The SIEC conducts inquiries or looks into claims made during the objection and omission period during the public inquiry phase.
“A time frame during which the Commission will visit the communities and carry out a public investigation into the allegations using the appointed election officials known as the revising officers. It’s critical that we provide evidence to support the claims,” she stated.
Philothea continued by saying that the public inquiry phase is a review procedure in the registration process that allows the public to comment on the voter list and the issues found with the voter list.
“We want to ensure that the claims that have been submitted are legitimate and true, not just to remove someone from the list or deny them the ability to vote,” the statement reads.
“The registration officer will give the claims to the revising officer, who will then compile them into a document known as the ‘objection and omission-claims list. The list shows who objected to the claim and who made it.
“The list will be posted, so please make sure to check it to make sure your name hasn’t been removed. You can also find out at this point if your name has been objected to. You must be ready to defend yourself against the claimant if your name is challenged.
“The claimant must also be ready for the public inquiry and provide proof to back up their claims.
The decision to accept or reject the claim rests with the revising officer. Action will be taken in accordance with the claims acceptance or rejection. According to Philothea, the revising officer “may make decisions based on the evidence provided during that public hearing.”
Later, she stated that the specific dates and times of the inquiry or hearing period will be announced.
