The people of North Malaita and East Are'Are constituencies will choose their new members of parliament on August 1st 2012.
The date for the bye-election in the two constituencies was announced by the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui in an extraordinary gazette published yesterday.The Governor General's announcement yesterday also officially opened the forty three days election timetable counting down to the polling day, Wednesday August 1st.
Chief Electoral Officer, Polycarp Haununu says the proclamation and publication of the bye-election date officially opens the election process, starting with nomination of candidates.
Mr Haununu says voters have 14 clear days to submit their nominations of candidates for the two bye-elections.
The Leader of Opposition Dr Derek Sikua has welcomed the declaration of the bye-election dates.
Dr Sikua said he is relieved that a date has now been set down for the registered voters of the two constituencies to once again "exercise their democratic right to elect leaders to represent their interests in the highest decision-making body in the land."
The Opposition Leader said he is certain the people of the two respective constituencies are delighted by the announcement and will exercise their democratic right to vote responsibly without fear or favor.