SIEC wind-up Phase 4 of 2024 – 2028 Strategic Planning Process

HONIARA, Solomon Islands – THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is nearing completion of Phase 4 of its 2024 – 2028 Strategic Planning Process, successfully convening a series of consultations with key Electoral Stakeholders in Honiara this month of May.

These consultations are part of the SIEC’s efforts to engage in a new strategic planning process to develop its next Strategic Plan for the period of 2024-2028, which will cover the electoral cycle for the 2028 Solomon Islands Joint Elections.

Phase 4 of the Strategic Planning Process covers developing a Consultation Strategy, consulting the Electoral Commissioners on a draft Strategic Framework and Consultation Strategy, and Conduct Consultations with Key Electoral Stakeholders that include; Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, the Public Sector, and Donor/Implementing Partners.

Since August 2024, the Electoral Commission has been engaged in a comprehensive post-election review process with consultations being held amongst headquarters staff, as well as consultations in each of the nine provinces, the Honiara City Council area, and with donor and implementing partner stakeholders to identify lessons learned.

Speaking at the opening of the three-day consultation series, the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer; Jasper Highwood Anisi highlighted, “In December 2024, the Electoral Office conducted strategic planning workshops with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and with all staff. During these workshops, the Electoral Office evaluated the previous strategic planning cycle; reflected on lessons learnt from the 2024 Joint Elections; examined the results of a strategic planning staff survey; and analyzed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)”.

During the workshops, the Electoral Office collaboratively developed and refined its proposed new mission, vision, guiding principles, strategic pillars, and strategic goals, and commenced development of its strategy into action planning. The Electoral Office also engaged in risk mitigation planning and considered organizational elements, including structure and staffing factors required to support successful implementation.

Mr Anisi stressed that to support acceptance, understanding and support for the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, it is crucial that consultations be held with key electoral stakeholders to seek feedback on the SIEC’s Strategic Framework.

“The Electoral Office has developed the Strategic Framework for consultation with electoral stakeholders to inform development of the Strategic Plan. The document reflects the outcomes of the strategic planning workshops and presents these key elections of the SIEC 2024-2028 Strategic Plan which include; Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Guiding Principles, Strategic Pillars and Strategic Goals”.

Asked on the outcome of these consultations? Mr Anisi replied, “The discussions were indeed fruitful. We have received plenty feedback from our partner stakeholders which we will be working towards, moving forward”.

The Electoral Commission is supported in this process by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its SECSIP initiative, co-funded by the Australian Government, the European Union and the UNDP.

SECSIP or Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project, supports the Government of Solomon Islands strengthen the sustainability of its electoral processes and the capacity of the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Office and other key electoral institutions to provide credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country.

SECSIP Project Manager; Dan Radulescu reiterated the importance of having these consultations, “I think it’s very important to have these consultations. The role of all stakeholder partners is very important; as a watchdog, as oversight and also as educators”.

Mr Radulescu added, “Following the consultations, SECSIP will assist the Electoral Office (SIEO) to review and assess stakeholder feedback, and will provide technical support in drafting the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan”.

The Electoral Office’s Operations Manager; Fredrick Bosoboe explained the process that follows the consultations, “Once the draft 2024-2028 Strategic Plan has been reviewed and endorsed by the SMT (Senior Management Team), it will be submitted to the Commission for endorsement. Once endorsed, the SIEC intends to publicly launch the Strategic Plan in June of this year (2025)”.

Meanwhile SECSIP continues to provide technical support toward the Electoral Office in its preparation to conduct national and provincial by-elections for West Guadalcanal Constituency and Paripao Ward in Northeast Guadalcanal.

ENDS///