SIEC Chief Electoral Officer & Commissioner Jasper Highwood Anisi delivers the keynote address at the Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue, emphasizing the importance of accurate election information and strong media partnerships.
SIEC APPRECIATES UNDP OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIA DIALOGUE
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) expresses its appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP), for the opportunity to participate in the Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
The one-day dialogue brought together senior journalists, emerging media professionals and representatives from academia to discuss the critical role of the media in strengthening democratic governance, public accountability and access to reliable information.
SIEC’s participation was highlighted through a session on Information Integrity and Election Management Bodies, led by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi, who emphasised the importance of protecting the accuracy, credibility and integrity of electoral information throughout the electoral cycle.
With preparations underway for the 2027 National Biometric Voter Registration Exercise and the 2028 Joint Elections, SIEC recognises the importance of building stronger partnerships with the media to ensure that citizens across the country, particularly those in remote and rural communities, receive accurate and reliable electoral information.
The CEO also emphasised the distinct but complementary responsibilities of electoral authorities, the media and citizens in safeguarding democratic processes.
“The Commission administers the election. The media inform and scrutinise. Voters make their own decisions. Each role is different, and each is essential to public confidence in the process,” Anisi concluded.
Together, these discussions emphasized the central role of the media in safeguarding democracy, ensuring voters receive information that is accurate, accessible, and trustworthy.
SIEC acknowledges the value of the dialogue in providing an important platform for open discussion, knowledge sharing and strengthening mutual understanding between electoral authorities and media practitioners.
The Commission extends its appreciation to UNDP-SIDGEAP for organising and facilitating this timely dialogue, and to participating media organisations and stakeholders for their contributions to discussions on media ethics, information integrity, public interest journalism and inclusive democratic participation.
SIEC looks forward to continued collaboration with UNDP, media organisations and other stakeholders in strengthening electoral information integrity, promoting responsible electoral reporting and supporting informed public participation in the upcoming electoral activities.
ENDS///…
Panelists share insights during the Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue, discussing media ethics, information integrity, and the role of journalism in strengthening democracy in Solomon Islands.
