Polling day for Duidui provincial ward postponed to 16th July due to deployment and training disruptions caused by severe weather conditions
Severe weather conditions have delayed the deployment and training of polling officers, posing significant risks to their safety and the security of election materials. In response, the Electoral Commission has postponed the polling day for the Duidui provincial ward election to 16th July 2024. This decision was made during an urgent meeting on Monday, 8th July, following a request from the Returning Officer.
Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner Jasper Highwood Anisi explained that the weather has caused significant delays in getting polling officers to the training venue. The originally planned two-day training has been compromised, affecting the readiness and effectiveness of the polling officers. Additionally, rough sea conditions have heightened risks to the safety of polling officers and the security of election materials during transportation. Ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the election process is paramount.
Limited briefings for polling officers are currently underway at Kuma, assisted by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) team.
The Electoral Commission has sought weather-focused advice from the Meteorology Office and confirmed the new election date. Despite the challenging weather conditions, logistics around South Guadalcanal will continue to be monitored closely.
Voters in the Duidui ward are reminded that polling stations will open at 7 am and close at 4 pm on election day. The election was previously deferred due to the death of two intended candidates a day before the Joint Election date in April this year. Initially scheduled for 10th July 2024, the polling day was postponed due to bad weather.
Section 67 of the Provincial Assembly and Honiara City Council Electoral Regulations 2024 provides for the deferment of an election due to flood, storm, or other causes, whether natural or man-made, making it reasonably impossible to conduct an election in all or part of a ward.
For further information or updates on the Duidui election, contact the SIEC hotline at 7222200 or 8422220, or visit the Electoral Commission Facebook Page.
