By-election for Tanangada’s seat planned for May
A ballot box used in the 2014 elections. Photo: SIBC
The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is aiming to launch the by-election for the Gizo/Kolombangara constituency next month.
The election is being held because the High Court ruled that Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara Jimson Tanangada lost his seat for bribing constituents to vote for him during the 2014 national election.
Under current electoral law, Mr Tanangada is not allowed to re-contest the seat in this vote.
According to SIEC Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala, the election date will likely be towards the end of May.
Governor General Sir Frank Kabui is expected to make a proclamation notice about it next week, Mr Saitala said.
“Once that proclamation notice from the governor general is signed off, then we have to start counting from that date towards the timing for the by-elections,” he said. “It should fall within the last week of May for the by-election to be conducted.”
By Fred Osifelo