Australian High Commissioner Rod Brazier has announced Australia’s package of assistance to Solomon Islands for the upcoming National General Election on 3 April.
“As a close friend to Solomon Islands, Australia is pleased to provide assistance that will support the delivery of a free and fair election in 2019,” said High Commissioner Brazier.
At the request of the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian Defence Force will provide contingency support to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) in preparation for, and during, the election.
The Australian Defence Force package includes the provision of air and sea-lift support across Solomon Islands’ provinces; communications links for officials conducting and monitoring the elections; and enabling the RSIPF to support the elections through the provision of logistics, communications and strategic lift.
The first major cargo-load of equipment arrived in Honiara today (8 March) via Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
Elements of the Australian Defence Force Task Group have already begun providing preparatory training to the RSIPF in the areas of logistics, operations, communications, first aid and public affairs ahead of the election.
