Electoral Taskforce Sets off to Makira

The Electoral Reform Taskforce will continue its consultation program with stakeholders in Makira province on the 23rd and 24th of May, 2022.

The team leaves today Friday 20th May for Kirakira ahead of the program.

This would be their second of its series of consultation programs to seek peoples’ view on major reform areas that are in the Solomon Islands Electoral Reform Strategic Framework (2019-2023).

The team will present and discuss relevant section of Honiara City Council Election Act 1999, Provincial Government Act 1997 and Electoral Act 2018 on areas where these laws can be synchronized for a possibility for combine election.

Combine elections will allow voters to go to the poll casting two votes at the same time to elect their Parliament Member and Provincial Assemblies Member or Honiara City Council Councilors on a day election.

It is also aim at discussing proposed amendments to some sections in the Electoral Act 2018 to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of election services in future elections.

At the moment, each level of election conducts its election under different law hence, each has different timeline and polling day.

It’s always been a two sides argument to these proposed amendments and it is up to the people to give their view on both arguments.

Election is a process that provides the opportunity for citizens’ say in the development Policies of this country through elected leadership and hence it is a must and crucial action that people are consulted and be part of this law-making process.

Representatives from stakeholders within Makira Province are urged to present and give their views on these major reforms.

Stakeholders expected to attend the consultation includes representatives from provincial assembly members, provincial officers, civil society groups, village chiefs and community elders, churches, women groups, people with disabilities, youths and other recognized groups and business house within the province.

The first consultation program was held earlier this year with stakeholders from Central Islands Province.