THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has clarified that the only illegal time to conduct a campaign is 24 hours before the joint elections on April 17.
This clarification comes in response to speculations on the timing of campaign activities following the recent launch of manifestos by OUR Party led by caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and CARE Party led by former Opposition Leader Mathew Wale and former Small Malaita Member of Parliament Rick Hou.
Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi explained to media yesterday that whilst the Electoral Act defines election activities, it does not specify a period for such activities.
However, he emphasized that the only prohibited time for campaigning is within 24 hours before the polling date.
“In an election, people have to know what you stand for and how you are going to lead the country. Putting a timeframe on campaigns doesn’t seem right but from the perspective of the Electoral Commission, the only illegal time to conduct a campaign is 24 hours before the polling date,” Mr Anisi said.
Furthermore, SIEC Operations Manager Fredrick Bosoboe clarified that party campaigning falls under the Political Parties Integrity Act which handles the registration and administration of parties.
He noted that the Electoral Act primarily addresses individual candidates as to whether they are independent or affiliated with a party during campaign activities.
Mr Bosoboe highlighted that launching party manifestos before the official proclamation of the election date is not considered an offence.
Further elaborating on the matter, Mr Anisi referred to Section 62 of the Electoral Act which outlines the campaign period.
He emphasized that activities conducted before the nomination period opens are considered the rights of ordinary citizens expressing their views.
Following the proclamation by Acting Governor General John Patterson Oti, the first public election notice will be displayed in each ward from February 21 to 27. The nomination period is set to open from February 21 to March 6, with the campaign period running from February 21 to April 15. The publication of the date and place of the candidate draw is scheduled for March 6. Additionally, the period for appointing polling and counting agents is from March 7 to April 7, whilst the deadline for the withdrawal of candidature falls on March 8.
The conduct of the candidate order of draw is scheduled for March 11, followed by the deadline for Returning Officers to publish the election final notice on April 3. A campaign ‘blackout’ period will be observed on April 16, preceding the commencement of polling the following day.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Honiara, Solomon Star
