THE Honiara Central Market will be closed during the polling day and counting days.
Police Commissioner Matthew Varley also announced on Thursday at his weekly media conference that there will be a national ban on alcohol sales declared on April 3 and also on counting days.
Varley said at the moment they are looking at the 4th and 5th of April for the counting days.
“But I also understand, different provincial governments are looking at their own alcohol bans and some of them will be looking at days before polling day and days after,” Varley told reporters.
“So provincial governments are encouraged to make the responsible decision that is best for their community,” he added.
Varley said that is up to them.
“But in terms of polling day, a national ban on alcohol sales has been declared for the April 3.
“Also too, here in Honiara we have requested that the Central market in Honiara be closed during the polling and counting days,” Varley said.
The police chief said this will enable them to make sure they have the Honiara City Council (HCC) law enforcement officers monitoring the situation and assisting with security in other venues around Honiara.
Varley said he understood that this is a disruption for the people but it is important for security that we don’t have that large group of people gathering at the market which they will have to monitor.
He said their resources will be stretched and their focus is on polling booths.
“…that is where our focus should be,” Varley said.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
