Call for Respect to Election Process

By Alfred Pagepitu Stringer/Reporter Western Province

A long-time resident of Gizo, Greham Viobele, has urged candidates and their supporters to respect the constitutional process of electing a leader by allowing the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) to carry out its work.

Viobele made these remarks in response to ongoing rumuors circulating among supporters of candidates in the Gizo/Kolombangara and South East Vella la Vella constituencies. He highlighted the challenges faced by the SIEC, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and electoral officials in transporting all the polling kits and ballot boxes from various constituencies within the Western Province.

“I appeal to all voters and supporters to await updates from the SIEC regarding the commencement of the counting process,” Viobele stated.

“The transportation of polling kits and ballot boxes has posed challenges during the transfer to Gizo from the surrounding islands, so we must exercise patience,” he added.

“We must wait patiently for the Election Manager, Collin Potakana, to inform us when the counting process for all the ballot papers will begin.”

It is understood that the elections have concluded successfully, and RSIPF officials from various constituencies will accompany the ballot boxes along with Returning Officers to Gizo.

The SIEC will announce the commencement of the counting process for the Western Province to the public.