BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Office are confident in their ability to successfully conduct the 2024 National General Elections.
Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Office (SIEC) Media Officer, Andrew Jr. Fanasia, stated that the Electoral Commission and office are preparing for the upcoming NGE in April 2024.
Speaking on Sunday, November 21st, this week on the 2024 Joint Election Radio Awareness Program Podcast on the SIEC official Facebook page, Mr. Fanasia said the office is working tirelessly around the clock.
“The Solomon Islands is less than two months from the 2024 NGE that is set for April. The Electoral Office continues to work around the clock to inform eligible voters and the general public of their rights to vote and other necessities for the upcoming election,’’ said Fanasia.
To ensure a successful election, Mr. Fanasia said that the SIEC office and commission have been conducting a series of election trainings within the provinces.
“Trainings are currently going on, and that is to train electoral managers (Ems) and returning officers (ROs) for both wards and constituencies. Honiara and Guadalcanal had already finished their training. Other provinces training is set for later dates,’’ he said.
He also highlighted a few important areas that intending candidates need to be aware of as the country approaches the nomination period.
“As we are going towards the nomination period, the intending candidates need to take note of the following: the NGE nomination fee is SBD5000. The provincial assembly nomination fee is SDB$2500, and the Honiara City council election nomination fee is SBD$2500,’’ he said.
He said that an intending candidate must be a registered voter in any of the nine provinces or in Honiara and must have three nominators who must be registered in the ward or constituency they are wishing to stand for.
“The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) are looking positive to run this election successfully,’’ he said.
