Training completed with success, officers prepared to serve voters fairly.
SIEC Completes Tier 1 Training for Temporary Senior Election Officers for Kola’a Ward 8 Ahead of By-Election
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission has completed a three-day Tier 1 training program for temporary senior election officers for Kola’a Ward 8, Honiara City Council.
The training, held from Wednesday 18 March to Friday 20 March 2026, prepared officers for the upcoming ward election. It covered the full cycle of election management from nominations to polling day operations and post-election procedures.
On the opening day, participants studied election manuals, ethics, communication, nomination rules, ballot paper draws, offences, security, and polling station management. Day two focused on practical polling day procedures, including setting up stations, processing voters, handling special cases, and transporting materials. The final day concentrated on post-election tasks such as counting, verification, declaring results, finance procedures, and official announcements.
Four temporary senior election officers took part in the training. Election Manager Jefferson Patovaki, Returning Officer Anneth Game Tanda, Assistant Returning Officer Nelson Alatala Bilau, and Communications & Administration Officer Lorina Lena Tonafalea.
CSM Francis Otainao Iro said the training was crucial for building confidence in the electoral process. “This program ensures our officers are well-prepared, neutral, and professional. It strengthens integrity and transparency so that the people of Kola’a Ward 8 can trust the election results,” he said.
Officials emphasized that the training builds capacity and readiness, ensuring every officer is equipped to serve the community fairly and transparently.
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SIEC Press Release