THE newly elected Member of the Western Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward Six in South Rannogah, Richard Beck, is bound to face an election petition if he does not resign his seat as called for by one of his election rivals.
The petition pertains to alleged election offences he and his agents committed during the campaign period.
MPA Beck’s rival, Lawrence Walter, last week filed the petition and requested Mr Beck to resign from being an MPA, accusing him of having committed election offences during the campaign period.
Speaking to Solomon Star Gizo last weekend, Mr Walter said, “We have now established preliminary election offences against our winning candidate, following the result of the election in which he polled a total of 356 votes to become the purported winner of the 8 candidates who contested in Ward 6.”
Mr Walter said there is evidence of inducement and bribery against MPA Beck as he only publicly campaigned in two villages – Kongu and Kara- out of the total of 24 villages in the ward.
He said people have voluntarily come forward and disclosed that fraudulent practices were committed by Mr Beck himself and his agents during the material time of the election period as specified in the Candidate’s Handbook.
The Candidate Handbook for the Provincial Assembly Elections published by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) is in accordance with: (1) The Constitution of Solomon Islands, (2) The Provincial Government Act 1997 and (3) The Provincial Government (Election) Regulations 2010.
“We are continuing with our investigations and collecting further evidences on the corrupt practices he and his agents committed to secure his victory,” Mr Walter added.
Mr Walter said he has already given Mr Beck 14 days to resign from his seat or face the law.
He said the Magistrate Court Office in Honiara has already been notified.
The petition is supported by other unsuccessful candidates in Ward Six.
Meanwhile, Solomon Star is aware that a number of other winning candidates in the Western Provincial Assembly election may also face petitions for over election offences.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
