First Joint Election Since Independence Marks Historic Moment for the Nation
The Solomon Islands Governor General, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi, is expected to formally announce the date for the 2024 joint election on February 20, 2024, followed by the nomination period.
This marks the first Joint Election in the country since gaining independence on July 7, 1978.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) acknowledges that April 17th was the originally scheduled date for the poll; however, the legal election timelines only commence upon the Governor General’s Official Gazette notice of the Election Date. The Government House has been informed of the Governor General’s proclamation date, which is set for February 20, just a week away.
Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi stated that, according to the Constitution, the Governor General must schedule a general election to take place within four months of the dissolution of Parliament. The 11th Parliament was dissolved on December 31, 2023.
He further explained that the nomination period begins the day after the announcement of the election date and concludes 42 days before the poll. “The campaigning period begins on the day of the proclamation of the polling date and ends the day before the election,” he added.
Meanwhile, SIEC urges the public seeking more information on the upcoming Joint Election to contact the hotline number 842220 and also follow the Polling Station Locator link at https://solomonelections.net/stations to check for their names and other related information.
SIEC expresses gratitude to the Australian government, New Zealand Government, UNDP – DFAT, and EU for their support, as well as the Solomon Islands Government and other donors who have contributed to funding this election exercise.
CEO Anisi also acknowledges the New Zealand Electoral Commission (NZEC), Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), and The Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand Electoral Administrators Network (PIANZEA), Electoral Management Bodies that have provided support in various ways.
The Electoral Commission is an independent and impartial permanent body established under the Constitution to promote and strengthen democracy in the Solomon Islands through the delivery of free and fair elections.
Source: SIEC
