SOLOMON Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Returning Officers and Election Managers must uphold to the high standard of their duties when carrying their roles and responsibilities in the upcoming elections.
Chief Electoral Officer, Mose Saitala highlighted this yesterday when he officially opened the three days training for the Returning Officers, Election Managers and Accountant officers for each province.
He said it is important that they must recognise the values and principles underpinning good electoral practice.
“You need to recognise the values such as Integrity, Impartiality, Transparency, Fairness, Accuracy and Respect for the Law. And I‘m sure as part of your training and your own beliefs, values will be discussed and focussed on as part of good electoral practice,” he said.
He said just recently, during the Public Enquiry phase, a Revising Officer and his team were removed for failing to conduct themselves to the standard required of them as senior electoral officials in the province.
“With these good election governance values, it is important therefore that I emphasise to you the importance of your roles and accountabilities that come with it.
“I fully trust your experience and your integrity but it is important that I remind you SIEC expects all of you to conduct yourself to certain standards, and as your appointing authority I will have to exercise that authority of it is absolutely necessary,” he added.
Saitala said as accountant officers also participated, it is important that accountability in terms of funds that will be transferred to each of the provinces must also be noted.
“As members of your local community, it will be important to involve all your community by engaging with them and providing awareness of the national election and all aspects including nominations and voting.
“You are our leaders in the field and set the standard for your staff as leaders and role models. It is important that you are acting responsibly and setting that tone for all your staff so that they can follow,” he added.
By IAN M. KAUKUI
