West & Choiseul will be first to announce MPs’ as counting starts tomorrow

By Alfred Pagepitu Stringer/Reporter Western Province

While the rest of country has completed its elections today, most constituencies will commence the counting of their ballot papers, starting with their provincial wards before moving on to the national count. However, Western Province and Choiseul will be the first provinces to determine their parliamentary members only since they did not have the election for the Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs). The two provinces had their elections late last year will join the next cycle of election.

Meanwhile, the counting of ballot papers for Western Province is scheduled to commence tomorrow (Thursday) at the Gizo Community High School (CHS), according to Communication Administration Officer Terence Ziru.

Ziru stated that the timing of the counting will depend on the readiness of the first team. “We expect counting to start tomorrow, hopefully by 9:30 am or 10:00 am,”

Ziru mentioned. “The exact timing will be determined by the preparedness of the counting team.”

He further informed that only four constituencies have successfully returned their ballot boxes to Gizo today.

“We are still waiting for some boxes to arrive in Gizo, as all the counting will take place here,” Ziru explained.

He added that the ballot boxes from Marovo, West New Georgia, Shortland, North New Georgia, and South New Georgia will be secured at police stations and transported early in the morning.

“Our counting officials will be present on time before we proceed with the counting process,” Ziru assured.

Regarding security operations, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is fully equipped and prepared to provide security with the support of the Assistance Force, ensuring a peaceful announcement of the election results in the province.