Guadalcanal and Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) completed two days of training for their Assistant Revising Officers (ARVOs) in preparation for the Public Inquiry Phase from 23rd -24th November 2023.
The Guadalcanal ARVOs’ training was held at the Captains Point training facility in West Guadalcanal whilst training for MOI ARVOs was concurrently conducted at the Solomon Island Electoral Office.
Speaking to the Assistant Revising Officers at the opening of Guadalcanal Assistant Revising Officers’ Training at Captain Point last week, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Ms Christina Mitini highlighted the importance of the two-day training.
Ms Mitini said that the two days of training were aimed at equipping Assistant Revising Officers to be able to efficiently coordinate logistics around the public inquiry hearing in the constituencies and as well as to enhance AROVS’ electoral and legal knowledge in conducting public hearing proceedings over filed claims during omission and objection period.
“The trainings also aim at delivering practical scenarios exercises on public hearing cases that might expected in the field to enhance officers’ understanding, familiarise them with hearing proceedings, and learn how to apply sound and legitimate judgment evidence-based”, she adds.
“Therefore, these training, in particular, were most critical as they present practical exercises and their contents are designed to help equip ARVSs to assist Revising Officers (ROs) conduct public hearings in respective constituencies”, Ms. Mitini expressed.
“It is designed to enhance Assistant Revising Officers electoral and legal knowledge on how to carry out their roles as assistant presiding judges on voter’s enfranchisement,” Ms. Mitini said.
She urged the ARVOs to pay close attention to the practical scenario exercises that will be role-played during the training sessions as they present real cases that will be faced in the field.
“Such practice exercises are designed to practice sound decision-making and judgment increase ARVOs’ understanding and build their confidence”, Ms Mitini said.
These two training teams were the first to be held.
The rest of the provinces will conduct similar training for the Assistant Revising Officers in their respective provinces next week.There were 10 female Assistant Revising Officers among Guadalcanal ARVOS officers and 2 amongst MOI ARVOs.
“This was an improvement in terms of gender engagement as temporary Election Workers as Assistant Revising Officers and achievement of its Gender and Social Inclusion Policy of providing employment and opportunity for women engagement for an inclusive electoral process”, Ms. Mitini expressed.
Ms. Mitini said, that in the past, Senior Election Officers positions were usually male-dominant, especially with this particular position itself, and have applauded these women for having confidence in themselves and stepping up to apply for this position.
On the same note, Ms Mitini would also like to thank the Electoral Commission for having the same confidence and trust in these women and entrusting them with this great responsibility.
Temporary Election Worker (TEW) does not require a certain level of qualification. All it needs is a little experience and confidence in oneself, hence, she encourages more women to apply in the next upcoming set of TEW recruitments lot.
Ms. Mitini thanked the Australian Government, Solomon Islands Government, and other donors who have helped fund this registration exercise as well as acknowledged IFES for their technical support as well.
She also acknowledged the Administrative Team at SIEO, Guadalcanal, and Malaita Province Registration Manager and facilitators for all the logistical arrangements and delivery of this training.
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SIEO PRESS