In the lead up to the national general election proposed towards the end of this year the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is throwing its support through the provision of security.
RAMSI Special Coordinator Ms Justine Braithwaite highlighted this yesterday in her message marking the 11 years of the partnership between RAMSI and Solomon Islands government.
She said her organisation is making priority the support to RSIPF in its security preparations for the election to be held later this year.
“RSIPF now have the requisite skills required to manage election operations and for the first time since the tensions will be taking the lead in all security planning.”
As part of RAMSI’s support, the regional organisation is providing the local force with a range of assistance which included additional training, mobility support, advisory and operational planning.
She highlighted that elections in the country are always a complicated logistical exercise.
“With nearly 1000 islands in Solomon Islands, it is one of the most expensive countries to run an election.
“Currently there are plans to gift new maritime vessels and vehicles to the RSIPF which should better equip the force to manage the logistical challenges it will face.
“It is vital that these elections are conducted peacefully and successfully, to further improve confidence in Solomon Islands as a democratic and stable country.”
By MOFFAT MAMU
