BY-ELECTIONS SET FOR JUNE 4^th

JUNE 4^th is the Official date for by-elections to be conducted for West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao Ward in Northeast Guadalcanal.

Governor General, Sir David Tiva Kapu made the Official Proclamation of 4^th June being the date for the West Guadalcanal Constituency Parliamentary by-election whilst Hon. Wayne Ghemu, Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) declared the same for the Paripao Ward Provincial Assembly by-election.

Following the announcements, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) held a press conference to update the media further on its election preparations and operational plans.

SIEC Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Harewood Anisi explained, “These notices are legal requirements under law for the Governor General and the Minister for MPGIS to issue it, so that it gives power to the Electoral Commission as the election management body to conduct these elections”.

He added, “As announced, the by-elections for West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao Ward will eventuate on the 4^th of June, 2025”.

The by-elections will see over 10,800 voters cast their ballots across 28 polling stations (including pre-polling station for electoral officials inside four provincial wards within the two electorates, with a total of more than 150 polling officials expected to oversee and assist in conducting the elections.

“West Guadalcanal Constituency have a total voting populace of 8,098, whilst Paripao ward – a total 2,741 voters. For Paripao ward, we will have seven polling stations and one ward. We are expected to recruit around 37 polling officials to assist in the election. For West Guadalcanal Constituency, have will have 20 polling stations located within three wards, and for this we will need to recruit around 120 polling officials”.

Mr Anisi said the first phase of preparations has begun smoothly with SIEC awareness teams deployed throughout West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao ward to conduct face-to-face voter awareness programs the past two weeks.

He added that with the continuous support and assistance received from the Government and other stakeholders, SIEC is confident of conducting yet another successful election come 4^th June.

Meanwhile nominations for both elections have opened on Wednesday 9^th and will close on 23^rd April, 2025. The nomination Centre is located at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) area at Point Cruz. Nomination fees include; $5,000 (SBD) for West Guadalcanal Constituency Parliamentary Seat and $2,500 (SBD) for the Paripao Ward Provincial Assembly Seat.

ENDS///….