THE current election security operation police have mounted across the country is the biggest in the history of this nation.
That’s according to Police Commissioner Matthew Varley.
He was speaking yesterday ahead of today’s polls.
“I want to give communities around the country the reassurance, that 1,763 officers from RSIPF and Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) are involved in the security operation,” Varley said.
“They are now at their locations in the provinces, ready to provide security for our ballot process,” he added.
He said in the 2014 elections, 1,300 personnel including CSSI officers were engaged.
“This time is much larger,” Varley said.
“And that is because of a whole range of factors including a 20 percent increase in the number polling stations around the country.
“This year we are covering 1,043 polling stations right around the country.
“I want to encourage and remind the community that the RSIPF are well prepared to respond to any incidents of security, or interference with the ballot process tomorrow.
“This includes our police officers deployed throughout the provinces.
“It will prove our response capability at the national capital and our quick reaction by deployed officers across the country, with support from our friends, from the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces through the Combine Task Group (CTG).”
In his final message to voters, Varley said:
“Let us show the world that Solomon Islands has moved from the violent past to a peaceful and Hapi Isles.
“The world is watching through the presence of several hundred international Election Observers.
“Let us show our neighbours and the rest of the world we can hold a safe, secure and peaceful election.
“Our people are asking for political change but not political violence.”
