Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) has called on every citizen to respect the rule of law during the election period.
The nation goes to the polls on November 19, while six provinces will conduct their provincial elections early next month.
In a statement, FSII said it is concerned at the manner shops and offices along the main city and Chinatown have welded iron doors over the past weeks and days.
FSII added it is concerned at the engagement of local security firms to look after properties as the country’s election day countdown continuous.
“Voters and citizens must learn to accept results and stay away from causing trouble,” the statement said.
“The signs of wielding iron doors and engaging local security firms were a clue of no confidence and trust, which is a negative message to the international community,” it added.
The civil society group also cautioned candidates to refrain from instigating problems.
“Our young population is prone to trouble therefore in fragile situations, it only takes one word from a losing candidate to trigger rioting and looting.
“Our young people are conditioned to cause trouble because during campaigning they are promised huge benefits by certain candidates. But this must stop,” FSII chief executive officer Benjamin Afuga added.
Afuga reminded candidates to campaign cleanly and stop making false promises to young people because it is a recipe for trouble.
“The country or Honiara in particular has had enough of looting and rioting.
“The damages are enormous and costs us dearly, therefore repeating such occurrence will lead us nowhere but pain and suffering,” he said.
Afuga encouraged voters to exercise their democratic rights when casting their ballot papers on 19th November.
“No one should dictate voters or tell voters who to vote for and who not to vote for.
“Cash and other material things are temporary tokens that often violate the democratic rights of voters.
“Please respect each individual’s democratic rights to vote according to his or her right conscience,” Afuga said.
