Dear Editor – The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission responded to my letter to the Solomon Star requesting legal clarification on the above.
I am afraid, its position is not a court order, hence it still failed to satisfy the doubts I shared with Mr. Wilfred Atomea.
In its reply, the SIEC reiterated its earlier position that whilst the National Parliament (Electoral Provisions) Act deals with both party and independent candidates, the Political Parties Integrity Act deals with only party candidates. Is that what you are saying?
If that is legally correct, then who should be disqualified under s.49(1)(f) of the Constitution if he/she is disqualified from registration as an elector?
I still maintain that those who failed to register as voters when given the legal opportunity to do so, have been disqualified from registration as electors.
Should they be also disqualified for candidacy under s.49(1)(f) of the Constitution?
Explanation please!
Martin Mata
Honiara
