Auki police gear up for West Kwaio by-election on Wednesday

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) in Auki are gearing up for the by-election in West Kwaio tomorrow (21 September 2022).

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Malaita Province, Superintendent Leslie Kili says the RSIPF Auki officers are in preparation for the bye-election.

“Officers have been deployed soon after the main operations briefing conducted to various polling stations in west and east Kwaio,” he said.

Kili says, “I would like to appeal to supporters of intending candidates to respect the rule of law and allow the polling to continue without any disturbances.”

He said police would go tough on those who may try to disrupt the process of the election to ensure that peace and stability.

A Honiara based team is also ready to assist if the situation goes out of hand but he hopes nothing will happen during the election.

Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial Mr Leonard Tahnimana appeals directly to all candidates and their supporters and political party members to remember their

“Please observe rules and regulations under the Electoral Act to make sure the voting is done lawfully. Let us continue to show respect for one another and maintain peace like we did during the National General Election in 2019. Respect for one another is an integral part of Solomon Islands traditional culture and do not allow any disagreements to cause divisions amongst us,” he said.

The by-election is held following the death of the former MP for the constituency, Titu Fika last year. Six candidates are contesting the election.