Islands Business - Observers endorse elections

HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS ---- The International election observers has welcomed the conduct of the Solomon Islands election in a peaceful, orderly and lawful way and in a spirit of goodwill and praised the people of Solomon Islands for the successful conduct of the election

Forty-four international observers, representing the Pacific Islands Forum, the Commonwealth, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States of America, observe election and the commencement of the count.

International observers covered over 160 polling stations in 27 constituencies in Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Makira, Malaita and Western provinces and in Honiara.

The international observers’ interim assessment said the polling process was transparent and well-conducted, and voters were able to exercise a free and secret vote. We were impressed by the commitment shown by polling staff to ensure that the poll was carried out in accordance with Solomon Islands law.

While they observed some minor technical problems and difficulties in particular polling stations, their assessment is that these were not significant enough to compromise the integrity of the overall process.

“Our observation of the counting to date also indicates that this is being conducted in a careful and transparent manner.” Observers also noted considerable support from Solomon Islanders for the new “single ballot box” system.

“We believe the system increased the secrecy of the vote and transparency of the process. We wish to commend the outgoing Parliament for the adoption of the new system. We welcome the efforts of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission in conducting a major programme of civic education and voter awareness in recent months. The civic education program made a real difference to increasing voters’ understanding of and confidence in the election process. We recommend that such programmes continue.”

International observers noted concerns about the accuracy of and access to the register of voters, including absence of voters’ names from the register. We note the comments by the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr Musu Kevu, that these problems must be addressed.

Observers were also concerned that a number of potential voters were denied the chance to vote due to the absence of any system for “out of area” voting. We encourage consideration of introducing some such system in Solomon Islands in the future.

International election observers recognise the valuable contribution made to this election by Solomon Islands’ first domestic election observer programme. We note with appreciation the Commonwealth Secretariat’s facilitation and training of the domestic observers. We also acknowledge the efforts of civil society groups to promote a clean election.

“A peaceful environment prevailed across the constituencies observed on polling day. We recognise the effective role played by the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) in providing security for the election.

International observers also commended the contribution of RAMSI in ensuring the confidence and stability essential to a successful election process, including its support to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and civic education programs.

“We wish to thank the United Nations team for the excellent coordination, logistical arrangements and briefing provided to international observers, which contributed significantly to the success of our mission here.”

Many of the international observers will remain in Solomon Islands to observe the full counting of the votes. Some groups will then be preparing final reports on the process to share with the Solomon Islands Government and the public.

The Obersevers also appreciated the people of Solomon Islands for the hospitality which international observers encountered everywhere they went.