THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) will not allow passengers from Malaita Outer Island (MOI) and Temotu Vatud to travel in any ships chartered by the electoral office to these two places before the polling day.
SIEC Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala made this statement during the press conference, Monday in Honiara.
“While it is the duty of SIEC to facilitate every citizen to exercise their rights under the constitution to cast their votes wherever they are but SIEC have considered the case of MOI and Temotu Vatud,” he said.
He further explained that the Commission decide not to transport any passengers or cargoes for MOI and Temotu Vatud.
Saitala said the two main reasons is first, because of the number of people travelling to these two destinations is sometimes more than a thousand people.
“It has been reported to my office by our senior officers that the number travelling on SIEC charted ships is more than a thousand.
“And there is no way that the ship will cater for this number,” he added.
He further explained that the second reason stemmed from the contract issued by the Central Tender Board.
“The insurance covers for liability in the event that the boat sinks the insurance covers only the electoral and police officials.
“So the SIEC do not want to take this big risk to allow the passengers from MOI and Temotu Vatud to travel on our chartered ships for the two places,” Saitala said.
By ANDREW FANASIA
