The time period for omissions and objections has been extended for another five days starting today until August 11.
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) made the announcement during a media conference, Wednesday at the commissions head quarter at Vavaya Ridge.
Chief electoral officer (CEO) Polycarp Haununu said the extension was granted by the commission to give eligible voters more time to check if their names and information given during the time of voter registration are correct.
This will mean registered voters will have another extra five days to check their names on the provisional voters list to lodge their claims of omission and objection if necessary.
“The reason for extending the period is to ensure everyone (registered voters) has a fair chance to check their name so that the commission can act swiftly.
“The commission is aware there are a few remote areas that needs this extension since their provisional lists arrives late to their stations therefore giving them this extended period till 11th should give ample time for them to check their names and makes their claims of omission and objection,” Mr Haununu said.
He said such delays are inevitable in a registration process of this size therefore SICE see it fit to grant this extension.
Adding this extension will not affect the time frame for the public hearing which is the next stage to be held within the next few weeks.
The SIEC boss stressed that if anyone who has registered during the biometric voter registration but did not see their names appear on the provisional list, they should see their registration officer and file a ‘claim of omission’.
He said people can also file a claim of omission if they think details on their registration are not correct.
Adding anyone can also file a ‘Notice of Objection’ if they believe someone on the list should not be listed since he or she is from a different ward or constituency.
“This is very important part of the voter registration and we strongly call on all registered voters to go and check that their names have appeared correctly on the provisional voters list,” Haununu added.
The CEO reminded everyone that only those who have registered during the BVR period will be able to see their names appear on the provisional voters lists.
“If you did not register during the BVR period, you will not be able to vote in this year’s election,” Haununu said.
BY DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
