Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi has acknowledged his electoral officials, Presiding Officer, police officials and other stakeholders in pulling off a peaceful Guadalcanal Tandai Ward by-election on Wednesday.
“I must also acknowledge my Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) staff for the tireless effort and commitment they’ve shown, which resulted in a very peaceful by-election,” he added.
He said that, generally, the turnout in most of the polling stations was satisfactory as voters turned out in numbers to cast their votes in the first part of the day.
CEO Anisi thanked the voters of Tandai ward for coming out in numbers to participate in the democratic election to choose their provincial member by casting their ballot papers yesterday.
“On behalf of the Electoral Commissioners, I would like to acknowledge your participation in this democratic process of electing your leader for the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly.
“Not only that, but I would like to express my gratitude to all the voters for your cooperation in maintaining peace throughout the by-election day from 7 am to 4 pm,” he added.
The Electoral Commissioner and Chairlady Taeasi Sanga was also amongst the election observers and other stakeholders witnessing the opening of the polling station at Burn Creek yesterday.
Returning Officer Mr. Jospeph Sua also acknowledged his election officials for their support towards this by-election.
Observers from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), SIEC and Women’s Rights Action Movement (WRAM) also visited different polling stations from Burns Creek polling station to Tamboko.
CEO Anisi assured the voters of Tandai ward that all ballot boxes have been retrieved safely under the police watch and stored safely at Guadalcanal Provincial Headquarter -Ritaleven Building.
He further confirmed that counting will commence today, Thursday at 10 am.
Five candidates contested the seat following the death of the former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for that ward.
Of the total, one is a female candidate.
- SIEO
