Nomination of Candidates Open for West Baegu and Koviloko Ward By-Election
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) today confirmed that the nomination of candidates for the West Baegu and Koviloko Ward by-elections will officially open today, 18th February, and close at 4:00 PM on 4th March 2026.
The 14-day nomination period follows the publication of the Election Date Gazette Notice, which sets the by-election for both wards on 15th April 2026.
Chief Electoral Officer and Commission, Mr Jasper HighWood Anisi, iterated that individuals intending to contest in this by-election must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Be a registered voter in the province where they are contesting.
- Be nominated by three registered voters from the respective ward.
- Pay a non-refundable nomination fee of $2,500.
Mr Anisi sad that, candidates are encouraged to visit nomination centres to do nomination in person at the designated centres before 4:00 PM on the close of the nomination period which on the 4th of March 2026.
He confirms that,Nomination Centre for West Baegu Ward will be at Malaita Provincial Chamber, Conference Room 2, in Auki Malaita province and for Koviloko Ward will be at DFL Centre Building, Buala, Isabel Province.
It is important that, candidates are reminded to come with their nominators, who must be registered voters in the ward being contested, to the nomination centre to be able to complete the nomination process.
Following the close of nominations, a ballot paper draw will be conducted to determine candidates’ positions on the ballot paper.
Any candidate wishing to withdraw their nomination must notify the Returning Officer for their respective ward in writing within 48 hours of the close of nominations.
The SIEC urges all prospective candidates to ensure their documentation is complete and submitted before the 4pm on the 4th of March 2026.
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SIEO Press