BY LIONEL TAORAO
MEMBERS of the Makira Ulawa Cultural Platform group, well-known as the “Mother Land “group on Ulawa Island, will be casting their votes in the synchronized national, provincial assembly, and HCC elections for 2024 in the Solomon Islands.
In an exclusive interview with the North Ulawa Cultural Platform Group Chairman today, Mr. Morris Lula points out that they have decided not to partake in the past two elections (the 2014 and 2019 National General Elections and the Makira Ulawa Provincial Elections) because of the newly exercised Biometric Voters Registration System (BVR).
“The reason for not participating in the 2014 voters’ registration is because of the newly used biometric voter registration system, where we were advised by our crowned chief not to partake in the newly used voter registration system, which he says is not good for our members,” Mr. Lula says.
Following our crowned chief’s advice, all our members both in Makira and Ulawa did not turn up for the commencement of the newly adopted biometric voter registration process,” he adds.
The Platform group was initially established with a constitution with the whole purpose of reviving and maintaining the traditional and cultural practices of Makira- Ulawa province.
When asked about why they had decided to finally take part in this year’s voter registration, Mr. Lula expressed that they felt that it was time for them to finally join the voter’ registration exercise for the 2024 synchronized elections, as we are moving closer to achieving a federal system in our country.
“The decision for us to participate in the voter registration process this year, 2024, is so that we can cast our votes for a leader both at the provincial and national level to push for statehood for our people,” Mr. Lula adds.
He continues to say that they see that it is very important because we were made aware that our participation in the election process is important and that it is crucial that we vote for a leader who can hear our cries for statehood.
He said that not only the cultural platform communities on Ulawa Island will be casting their votes in these coming synchronized elections, but all members of Makira Ulawa Province who are eligible to vote and have registered will be casting their votes.
Ulawa Island has two cultural platform communities: one in the North Ulawa Ward, situated inland of Su’u Moli village, and the other in Arona Area.
