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Tue, 27 Jul 2010
HONIARA, Solomon Islands (SOLOMON STAR) ---- Solomon Islands Chief Electoral Officer, Polycarp Haununu, has issued a warning to candidates to respect electoral laws and keep their campaigns peaceful and fair in the week leading up to the National General Election.
Mr Haununu issued the warning following reports that some candidates are being intimidated by supporters of other candidates.
“My office has received reports from some Returning Officers that voters in their constituencies are being intimidated by the campaigning of some candidates,” Mr Haununu said.
One constituency in particular that raised serious concerns is the North West Guadalcanal constituency.
The Returning Officer for North West Guadalcanal on Sunday night issued a service message to contesting candidates in his constituency to avoid using bullying tactics in their campaigning.
Returning Officer, Mr Benjamin Inukoru, said that concerned voters had spoken to him about stories of rock throwing, swearing and other intimidating practices being used by some candidates and their supporters.
Mr Haununu said that he would be taking the matter to the police.
“Holding a free, fair and safe election is a serious matter and the responsibility of us all,” he said.
He said both the Electoral Commission and police have been very clear about the need for people to respect the law and conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the important national event.
“Every registered voter has the right to cast one vote to choose a representative of their choice, freely and fairly and without intimidation, force or harassment.”
Mr Haununu urged voters and candidates across the country to participate in an election that would make Solomon Islands proud.
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