SIEO CEO Anisi issues stern reminder to Election Officials to be neutral as they begin training for the 2024 Joint Election in April, acknowledges election financiers for support
(SIEO/SOLSTAR) ELECTION Officials have been sternly reminded of the fundamentals of elections and one of them is to politically-independent.
The reminder was issued by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jasper Highwood Anisi as Senior Provincial Electoral Officials for Guadalcanal and Honiara begun a series of election training in preparation for the 2024 Joint Election in April yesterday.
The training took place in Honiara and was facilitated by the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) Operations and Training Team.
SIEO CEO and Commissioner Anisi, in his opening statement, acknowledged the Election Officials for being part of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) 2024 Joint Election Field Operation.
He reminded them that as Electoral Officers their mandate under the Electoral Act 2018, is an extension of the powers conferred to the Chief Electoral Officer under relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.
Mr Anisi also took the opportunity to remind the Electoral Officials of the fundamentals of the Elections.
“For elections to truly reflect the will of the people, several core values must be upheld and they are; integrity, neutrality, transparency, fairness, and respect for the voter secrecy.”
He sternly warned that as Electoral Officials for the 2024 Joint Election, they must be seen as politically independent.
“You must not be drawn into political discussions or make political statements of any kind. You should also undertake your duties and responsibilities in an impartial manner free from any political influence.”
He added that, “Respect for voters’ secrecy is paramount, voting is a deeply personal act, and individuals should feel confident that their vote will remain confidential.
“Upholding these core values ensures that the will of the people is accurately represented, fostering trust in the electoral process and promoting civic engagement.”
Meanwhile, the training for the Electoral Officers covers two significant parts of the electoral process – Part one covers Notices and Nomination, while part two covers Polling and Counting.
The training participants were Election Managers, Provincial Accountants, Returning Officers for Constituencies, Returning Officers for Wards, Communication and Administration Officers, Training coordinators and Awareness Coordinators.
CEO Anisi acknowledged the Australian government, New Zealand Government, UNDP, DFAT and EU for their support as well as the Solomon Islands Government and other donors who have helped fund this election exercise.
He also acknowledged the New Zealand Electoral Commission (NZEC), Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), The Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand Electoral Administrators Network (PIANZEA) and Electoral Management Bodies who have also provided support.
