ELECTORAL Manager for Western Province Collin Potakana has clarified the recruitment process for polling officials for the province in the 2024 National General Election.
Mrv Potakana confirmed his office has received complaints from applicants who were not shortlisted for polling official positions.
Discrepancies between the Master List from the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and the list of Returning Officers last Friday raised concerns about the recruitment process.
Shedding light on the recruitment process for polling officials, Mr Potakana said the implementation of a new system called Temporarily Employed Work (TEW) has generated a significant number of applications.
“This is a new system that we have introduced to ensure the names of all applicants are already in the system.
“We have published advertisements to inform interested individuals about the opportunity to apply.”
Mr Potakana said, “Once you submit your application, it will go through our recruitment process. This is a new system that we have implemented.”
He said this new system may be unfamiliar to some applicants because in the past, polling officials were simply appointed without an extensive selection process.
“In this year’s election, a new tool has been introduced where applications are submitted and registered in the master list.
“After submission, your application is sent to our head office in Honiara and registered through the data system,” Mr Potakana said.
Mr Potakana outlined that the criteria applicants must meet to be considered for positions, included experience, health and fitness, education, conflict of interest, and the submission of relevant certificates and references.
“These are the six criteria that the Electoral Commission and Returning Officers take into account,” Potakana explained.
A master list has been created, and those who met the requirements and criteria have been included.
“I want to express my gratitude to all applicants, even if your names are not displayed. Thank you for showing interest,” Mr Potakana said.
Mr Potakana said all necessary preparations, training, and workshops for polling officials have been successfully completed.
By Alfred Pagepitu
MASI Stringer, Western Province
