A THREE days training for the Election Managers (EM) and Returning Officers (RO) is currently underway in Honiara, leading up to the 2019 National General Elections.
The workshop started on Monday.
A total of 10 EM and 50 ROs representing each constituency have participated in the training with other 10 accountant officers for each province.
In his speech to officially open the training, SIEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mose Saitala said the training is very important to for the participants on their vital task in the upcoming National Election.
“2019 presents another challenge for the SIEC to deliver a free, fair and credible election and the importance of your roles cannot be understated,” he said.
Saitala said every Election Manager and Returning Officer must have a good knowledge of the key rules, regulations and procedures governing the electoral process.
“Your professionalism and consistency in your approach is critical in delivering high quality elections.
“Your work is important and how you perform in your role is fundamental to the growth of democratic values in the Solomon Islands,” Saitala added.
He said as the national voter list has been concluded, the next is to look towards the polling day.
Saitala said the training is the first of a two part program as the next one will be held on March.
“Over the next three days, we will aim to equip you on processes on how to receive candidate nominations, as well as helping us to identify and assess polling venues.
“The second part, which will be held in early March, will focus on the polling, counting and results phase,” he added.
He said the current phase training is also attended by REDR participants who are mainly Australian deployees from an Australian Government sub-agency that recruits and deploys civilian specialists to provide aid and support using its rapid response capabilities.
“The primary objective of this support is to provide assistance, technical input, and guidance to assist Electoral Managers in the larger Provinces and Honiara, and the Electoral Commission to prepare for and manage the upcoming General Election.
However, he said all Electoral Managers will continue to hold all the responsibilities as the REDR people are there to help them.
The training which conducted at the Cow Boys Grill will be concluded tomorrow 30th January.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
