The Maoa and Bina Harbour communities in West Kwaio, Malaita Province have assured the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) that they will work together with police during the upcoming National General Election (NGE) to prevent crime in their communities.

The assurance was given to a team from the RSIPF consisting of officers from Honiara and Auki who were conducting NGE awareness in the communities today (19 March 2019).

A former Malaita Provincial Assembly member and a leader in the Maoa community assured the RSIPF team that nothing will happen during the General Election and communities in and around Bina Harbour voiced the same sentiments.

Director of RSIPF’s Professional Standard and Internal Investigation (PSII) Superintendent Solomon Sisimia who is leading the Team says, “As we approach the NGE, there is a need for us to understand the role of the police, the responsibilities of registered voters, election offences and penalties. This is very important.”

Superintendent Sisimia told the communities that the responsibilities of the registered voters and members of the public include:

  • All registered voters have the right to make their own choice on who they should vote for to represent them in Parliament;
  • All registered voters should not accept any candidate or any agent of a candidate who attempt to influence who you should vote for by promising them goods or any other rewards;
  • Stay away from any illegal gatherings with the intention to disturb the voting process; and
  • Report to Police any candidate who attempt to bribe them for their vote.

“The penalties for the offences under the new Electoral Act are very severe like the offence inside the Act on supplying misleading information or document. This offence attracts a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for five years or both if found guilty,” Superintendent Sisimia explains.

Members of the public at the communities visited in West Kwaio were allowed to ask questions and the RSIPF team was able to ask them during the awareness program.

 

Source: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force