New Zealand to support NGE with $35m

New Zealand will provide SBD $35 million to support Solomon Islands’ elections this year.

High Commissioner Jonathan Schwass says New Zealand is pleased to be able to meet the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission’s (SIEC) request for assistance to help deliver this year’s general, provincial and city council elections.

“New Zealand has a long history of supporting elections in the Pacific, including in Solomon Islands,” Mr Schwass says.

“We’re very pleased to be able to support SIEC to organise free and fair 2024 elections in which every voter can cast their informed vote. This is a key part of the democratic process.”

New Zealand’s support will help train civic coordinators and educators, recruit and train polling booth staff and set up an operation centre.

SIEC Chair Mrs Taeasi Sanga thanked the New Zealand Government, on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government, for its support.

“New Zealand has always been a friend to Solomon Islands,” Mrs Sanga says.

“This is not the first time the New Zealand Government has supported the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission. The Electoral Commission is grateful for this funding support, which will go towards the preparation and management of the simultaneous elections in 2024.”

New Zealand will provide separate funding of up to SBD $15 million to cover technical support from the New Zealand Electoral Commission, transportation of election materials and personnel during the election period, and provision of New Zealand election observers.

ENDS