Date set for Gizo/Kolombangara by-election

Governor General Sir Frank Kabui today proclaimed May 23 as the date of the by-election for the Gizo/Kolombangara constituency.

In a press release, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala said, as of tomorrow, notice of the election will be published within every ward of the constituency.

Candidate nominations will open tomorrow and close in two weeks on April 25.

Contesting candidates must file their nomination with the returning officer no later than 4pm on April 25, Mr Sitala said.

He warned intending candidates against bribing voters prior to or on the election date.

“It’s very important for our members going to contest elections to be aware of those kinds of breaches of the electoral act whereby you give them money — your voters or your agents,” he said. “The court may petition that there’s evidence of supposed bribery, then that will now have the effect that one can be barred from contesting the election.”

Gizo/Kolombangara constituents have been without a Member of Parliament since last November when Jimson Tanangada lost his seat in an election petition against his 2014 election victory.

By Zeri Leni and Fred Osifelo